Anambra State will elect a new governor on Saturday, in a contest that analysts say could reshape the political direction of the South-East ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The election features major parties – APGA, APC, PDP, LP, YPP, AAC and ADC, each fielding candidates with sharply different political backgrounds and campaign priorities.
Incumbent governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance is seeking a second term, arguing that his reforms and infrastructure projects have positioned the state for long-term growth. But opposition parties say insecurity, unemployment and poor economic outcomes remain unresolved.
The APC’s Nicholas Ukachukwu and PDP’s Jude Ezenwafor are among the top challengers, while George Moghalu of the Labour Party is drawing attention for campaigning on accountability and public sector reform with strong backing from the Obidient movement.
The only woman in the race, Chioma Ifemeludike of the AAC, is running a grassroots campaign rooted in activist politics, while YPP’s Paul Chukwuma and ADC’s Chuma Nwosu are positioning themselves as alternatives to mainstream party dominance.
With concerns around vote-buying, political interference and logistical challenges, civil society groups say the credibility of the poll will depend heavily on the effectiveness of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Whichever direction the vote swings, observers say the outcome will signal how voters in the South-East are thinking about political leadership, performance, and trust at a time of national uncertainty and could serve as an early indicator of alignments ahead of 2027.