By Suleiman Anyalewechi
The efforts by the Senator Esther Nenadi Usman faction of the Labour Party to have its candidate recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC for the forthcoming Anambra State gubernatorial polls have finally hit the rock.
The electoral umpire in its list of final candidates for the November 8, 2025 off-circle polls ,published on Wednesday June 4, 2025 named Chief George Moghalu as the LP flag bearer.
The Source reports that the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority NIWA ,and founding National Auditor of the All Progressive Congress APC was on April, 5, 2025 nominated by the Julius Abure faction of the LP as its candidate.
He emerged at the controversial primary of the faction held in Awka, the Anambra State capital after the withdrawal of his only challenger Sir John Nwosu.
Nwosu had cited the April 4, 2025, Supreme Court judgment that sacked the Abure-led National Working Committee NWC as a major reason for his withdrawal.
According to him, participating in the primaries after the apex court’s ruling on the leadership tussle in the party, amounted to legitimizing an obviously illegal exercise.
Notwithstanding the emergence of Chief Moghalu, the Governor Alex Otti-backed Usman interim leadership later, in April, conducted its primary with a member of the Anambra state House of Assembly submitted to the INEC as a place holder.
Although the two factions had been engaged in several subtle moves to have the ear of INEC ,the listing of Moghalu in the INEC final list may have ultimately foreclosed the matter.
The electoral body also listed Okaro Ifeoma Veronica, as the running mate to the LP candidate Chief Moghalu.
According to the INEC time table, Monday June 2, 2025, was the dead line for all the parties to effect changes in the choice of candidates for the polls.
At the close of the dateline, and going by the list published, 16 political parties have been cleared to enter gubernatorial fray.
According to the INEC, Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo is the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, flag bearer with Ibezim Onyekachukwu Gilbert ,as his running mate .
The APC, despite the protestations of embittered Valentine Ozoigbo, still retains Nicholas Ukachukwu as candidate, with Senator Uche Ekwunife Lilian as running mate .
Troubled Peoples Democratic Party PDP has Ezenwafor Jude, and Okeke Francis Chukwudi as flag bearer and running mate respectively.
According to a statement issued by Sam Olumekun, its spokesperson, the electoral body noted that no changes will be entertained in the list, except in the event of death of a candidate or running mate before the day of the election.
“With this publication, no further withdrawal or replacement of candidates will be allowed except in the event of death of a candidate or running mate before Election Day as provided by section 34 (1) of the Electoral Act”, INEC stated
Consequently, INEC informed that political parties and their candidates are at liberty to commence formal campaigns beginning from June 11,2025
It, however, warned against the use of abusive or divisive language during campaigns or engagement in any form of physical attacks on opponents .
“Similarly, all parties and candidates must be given unimpeded access to public facilities for media campaigns, outdoor advertising, as well as public rallies and meetings”, the electoral umpire noted
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