After By-Election: List of States That Will Hold Elections Before End of 2025

• Nigeria’s 2025 electoral calendar is not yet closed, even after the nationwide by-elections held in August
• Two key states—Anambra and Rivers—are set to hold significant polls before the year ends
• These elections will shape local leadership and influence national political dynamics ahead of 2027

Following Nigeria’s nationwide by-elections held on 16 August 2025, attention has now shifted to the remaining states scheduled to conduct elections before the year ends.

While the by-elections filled vacant legislative seats across 13 states, two major polls are still on the horizon: the Anambra Governorship Election and the Rivers Local Government Elections.

Here is a breakdown of the states where elections are still expected in 2025:

1. Anambra State Governorship Election – November 2025

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the Anambra Governorship Election for Saturday, 8 November 2025. The election will determine the next governor of the southeastern state, as the current administration approaches the end of its tenure.

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INEC confirmed that the poll will be conducted across all 21 Local Government Areas in Anambra. The commission has pledged to uphold transparency and credibility throughout the process.

Political observers have described the election as a strategic contest that could shape party momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.

2. Rivers State Local Government Elections – August 2025

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) announced that local government elections will take place on Saturday, 30 August 2025. Voters across the state’s 23 Local Government Areas will elect Chairmen, Vice-Chairmen, and Councillors.

This election was rescheduled following disruptions caused by a state of emergency earlier in the year. RSIEC has since released a revised timetable, allowing political parties to conduct primaries and submit their candidate lists.

The Rivers local elections are expected to be closely watched, especially in light of the 2024 Supreme Court ruling that reinforced the autonomy of local governments and barred state governors from dissolving elected councils.

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These two elections mark the final major electoral events in Nigeria for 2025, setting the stage for broader political activity in 2026 and the general elections in 2027.

List of constituencies where APC lost

Legit.ng earlier reported that the All Progressives Congress (APC) suffered defeats in four key by-elections held across Anambra, Kano, and Oyo States. Rival parties including the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured victories, signalling a shift in regional political momentum.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed the results on Sunday, August 17, following contests triggered by legislative vacancies. In the Anambra South Senatorial District, APGA’s Emmanuel Nwachukwu emerged as the winner, defeating APC’s Azuka Okwuosa by a wide margin.

In the Anambra South Senatorial District, APGA’s Emmanuel Nwachukwu emerged as the winner, defeating APC’s Azuka Okwuosa by a wide margin. According to INEC Returning Officer in Nnewi, Frank Ojiako, Nwachukwu polled 90,408 votes, while Okwuosa secured 19,847 votes. Donald Amangbo of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) came third with 2,889 votes.

Source: Legit.ng