By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) has officially lifted the ban on political campaigns ahead of the 2026 Local Government elections in the state, paving the way for political parties to commence open campaigns across the 21 council areas.
The lift was announced on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, during a press briefing at the Commission’s headquarters in Awka by Chief Sir Chinedu Anthony Nnalue, Commissioner in charge of Information and Publicity, on behalf of the ANSIEC Chairman, Hon. Genevieve C. Osakwe.
According to the Commission, the decision aligns with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, which stipulates that campaigns must begin 150 days before election day and end 24 hours prior to voting.
ANSIEC recalled that the notice of election into the 21 Local Government Areas was earlier issued on September 3, 2025, in accordance with Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act. The Commission further reaffirmed that the elections will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, as earlier announced in a timetable released last year, noting that political parties are now free to embark on open campaigns across the state, ahead of the election.
ANSIEC, however, cautioned that such activities must be conducted within the ambit of the law, warning that any breach of electoral guidelines would attract stiff sanctions.
The Commission specifically warned against the use of abusive, inflammatory or inciting language capable of provoking violence, stressing that the Commission would not hesitate to invoke relevant provisions of the law against offenders, whether individuals, candidates or political parties.
It also clarified that while conventional police presence is permitted for maintaining law and order, the use of armed vigilantes, private security outfits, such as Agụnechemba, Udo Ga-Achị and other quasi-security groups; and the use of political thugs at campaign grounds and for intimidation remains strictly prohibited. According to the Commission, outfits such as Udo Ga-Achị and Agụnechemba have no role in campaign activities, as their mandate is limited to community security and not electoral engagements.
Providing further details on the forthcoming election, ANSIEC disclosed that a total of 22 candidates are contesting for chairmanship positions across the 21 local government areas of the state. Of this number, 21 candidates are fielded by the All Progressives Grand Alliance, while one candidate is from the Young Progressives Party.
In addition, the Commission confirmed that 346 candidates have been cleared to contest for councillorship seats across various wards in the state.
Fielding questions from newsmen over voter apathy, particularly in view of the limited participation of opposition parties in the chairmanship race, the Commission described the development as a source of concern, but insisted that it should not discourage citizens from exercising their civic rights.
It emphasized that voting remains a fundamental democratic obligation, regardless of the number of candidates on the ballot, noting that turnout is a critical measure of public participation and legitimacy in the electoral process.
According to ANSIEC, efforts are being intensified to mobilize and sensitize the electorate on the need to actively participate in the forthcoming polls, stressing that the power of choice ultimately rests with the people.
On level of preparedness, the Commission expressed strong confidence in its readiness to conduct a credible, transparent and seamless election, noting that early planning has addressed the time constraints that somewhat affected previous exercises.
It recalled that the 2024 Local Government Elections were conducted within a tight timeframe, but added that the Commission has since commenced early preparations for the 2026 polls, including the training of staff, electoral officers and other ad hoc personnel.
ANSIEC also assured that logistics would not pose any challenge, revealing that arrangements are already underway to ensure the smooth deployment of materials and personnel across all parts of the state.
On state security and safety of electorates, the Commission stated that the situation across Anambra has significantly improved, courtesy of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, assuring that elections would be conducted in all 21 local government areas without exceptions or relocation of polling units. It commended the efforts of the state government in restoring safety and stability, noting that areas previously affected by insecurity are now fully accessible for electoral activities.
Responding to concerns about riverine communities, especially in view of the rainy season, ANSIEC assured that adequate measures would be put in place to ensure inclusivity, including the provision of boats and other means of transportation to reach difficult terrains, if any situations that warrant such arise.
While reiterating its commitment to credible polls, the Commission noted that the 2024 local government elections were widely adjudged free and fair, adding that it is determined to improve on that record in the forthcoming exercise.
Revealing that it has published the list of cleared candidates, the Commission concluded by urging all political parties to conduct issue-based campaigns, abide by electoral rules, and ensure that all campaign activities cease 24 hours before the election, in accordance with the law. It further called on stakeholders to support the Commission’s efforts aimed at delivering a more transparent, inclusive, peaceful, free and fair 2026 local government election in the state.
