The announcement, made at the Republican Party’s midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, quickly drew attention.

While supporters applauded the prospect of receiving thousands of dollars, questions emerged over where such a huge sum would come from, whether Trump has the authority to make the payments, and whether the promise can actually be fulfilled.

With roughly 270 million adults in the United States, the proposed payout could cost the federal government well over $1.3 trillion. Vice President JD Vance has suggested that revenue from Trump’s tariffs could fund the payments, but no detailed funding or implementation plan has been announced.

So, is Trump really offering $5,000 to every American adult? Why is he making the promise, and can the “Trump Dividend” actually become reality?

ROUNDCHECK broke down what was promised, how it might be funded, and what would have to happen before Americans could see any money.

What Exactly Did Trump promise?

Speaking at the Republican Party’s midterm convention in Dallas on the night of September 9, 2026, Trump said that if Republicans keep control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in the November midterms, he would issue a $5,000 dividend to every adult US citizen.

Trump also said the money would have to be spent inside the United States rather than taken abroad, naming Canada, China, and Germany as examples, though he did not explain how such a rule would be enforced.

This remains a political promise, not an existing government programme. No federal law has been passed creating the payment, and no American has been approved to receive it.

Why Is Trump Making The Offer?

The midterm elections are scheduled for November 3, 2026, and Trump’s Republican Party is fighting to hold on to Congress. Historically, the president’s party tends to lose seats in midterms, and current polling and projections favour Democrats to retake the House, an outcome that would sharply limit what the administration could pass legislatively for the rest of Trump’s term. 

The dividend promise, made on the opening night of the first-ever Republican midterm convention, is widely read as an attempt to energise voters ahead of that risk.

The proposal also lets Trump frame his tariff-driven economic agenda as something that pays ordinary Americans directly, rather than as an abstract trade policy.

Where Would The $5,000 Come From?

Trump has not laid out a funding mechanism. Vice-President JD Vance has pointed to revenue from Trump’s tariffs on imported goods as the likely source, arguing that tariff collections have brought in substantial money that could eventually be returned to Americans as a dividend.

But tariff revenue and money legally available for direct payments are not the same thing.

Tariffs are taxes on imports, and their cost is often passed on to businesses and consumers through higher prices. 

Even sizable tariff collections don’t automatically translate into funds the government can legally distribute as $5,000 checks; that would still require congressional appropriation.

How Much Would The Offer Cost?

At roughly 260 to 270 million adult citizens and $5,000 each, the total comes to somewhere between $1.3 and $1.35 trillion, a figure multiple outlets, including CNBC, have independently put at “more than $1 trillion.”

That makes it far larger than most federal transfer programmes and raises real doubts about whether tariff revenue alone could cover it.

Does Trump Have The Power To Simply Send Americans $5,000?

Congress controls federal spending, so a nationwide payment programme of this size would need congressional authorisation. 

Reactions within Trump’s own party show the divide this creates: Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno publicly endorsed the idea and said he would draft legislation to enact the dividend after the election, while Texas Congressman Chip Roy was openly sceptical, questioning how Republicans would pay for a plan that could cost “well over $1 trillion.” 

Trump himself has not said whether or how he would formally ask Congress to approve it.

Is The Proposal Legal?

US federal law makes it a crime to offer money as an inducement tied to how someone votes, punishable by a fine or up to a year in prison, with willful violations carrying penalties of up to two years.

That has raised questions about whether the dividend pledge could run afoul of election law.

However, Trump’s statement doesn’t explicitly say people must vote for him or Republicans to get the money; his stated condition is that Republicans must win control of Congress, not that any individual voter cast a particular ballot. 

Some legal analysts argue that framing makes it more defensible as a campaign promise about future policy rather than a direct payment for votes. Others aren’t convinced, and CNBC has reported it sought comment from the White House on whether the plan could violate those provisions. 

Ultimately, the legality would likely hinge on how or whether Congress eventually wrote it into law.

Is This The First Time Trump Has Promised Americans Money Like this?

No. This is at least the third time in roughly a year that Trump or his allies have floated a large direct payment funded by tariffs or spending cuts:

Earlier in his second term, Trump backed a “DOGE dividend” of $5,000, an idea originally floated by Elon Musk as a way to return savings from Department of Government Efficiency budget cuts to taxpayers.

Trump said he liked the idea, but it was never implemented.

In November 2025, Trump promised a dividend of “at least $2,000 a person,” funded by tariff revenue, would materialise “in the coming months.” That also never happened.

Separately, more than a million military service members did receive a one-time $1,776 “warrior dividend” in early 2026, but that payment came from a specific, congressionally approved military housing supplement, not a broad tariff dividend, and isn’t really comparable in scale or mechanism.

That track record,  two prior tariff-funded dividend promises at $5,000 and $2,000, neither of which materialised, is the key reason analysts are treating the new $5,000 pledge as unproven until Congress acts.

Why Does Trump Call At A “Dividend”?

Trump and Vance are framing the payment as a return of money generated by tariff policy, comparing it to a company distributing profits to shareholders, rather than describing it as a stimulus check or welfare payment.

That framing ties the payment directly to Trump’s “America First” economic message rather than to pandemic-era-style relief spending.

What Are The Biggest Unanswered Questions?

1. Who exactly qualifies? Trump said “every adult citizen,” but no detailed eligibility rules have been released.
2. Would high-income Americans get it too?
3. How would the money actually be distributed?
4. Would Congress pass the necessary legislation, and would it survive if Democrats win the House?
5. Is tariff revenue actually sufficient to cover $1.3 trillion-plus?
6. Could a payment this large add to inflation or consumer prices?
7. How, if at all, would the government enforce the “must be spent in the US” condition?
8. If approved, when would Americans actually receive the money?

Conclusively, ROUNDCHECK understands that Trump has promised a $5,000 “dividend” to every adult US citizen if Republicans win both chambers of Congress; however, the payment, mode and source of the money aren’t publicly available.

The claim, which had circulated on X, featured an image purportedly showing the front page of a newspaper called The Daily Tribune.

As of September 2, 2026, the post had garnered 209 reposts, 164 quotes, 680 likes, 98,200 views and 90 bookmarks. While many had lifted it and posted it on several social media platforms.

A Facebook user had also shared the same image, claiming that ‘Atiku would compel landlords to stop collecting rent from tenants if he becomes president.’

According to the claim, ‘Atiku would introduce a law prohibiting landlords from collecting rent from tenants and that landlords who violate the proposed law would face up to 10 years in prison.’

However, another X user challenged the authenticity of the claim, describing it as a false statement attributed to Atiku Abubakar.

The claim has gained attention online at a time when housing affordability and rising rental costs remain important concerns for many Nigerians and if left unverified. Such a claim could shape perceptions of Atiku Abubakar’s proposed policies and potentially influence public opinion ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The claim also presents a specific policy proposal and attributes it directly to a major political figure. Such claims require verification, particularly when they circulate widely on social media alongside what appears to be a newspaper report.

Given the potential of the claim to mislead the public about a presidential candidate’s position on housing and rental policy, ROUNDCHECK decided to check further whether Atiku Abubakar actually made the statement attributed to him.

Who is Atiku Abubakar?

Atiku Abubakar is a Nigerian politician, businessman and former Vice President of Nigeria. He was born on November 25, 1946, in Jada, present-day Adamawa State. He is the 2027 Presidential candidate.

He served as Vice President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007 under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Atiku has contested the Nigerian presidency several times. Most recently, he was the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 presidential election, where he finished second behind Bola Tinubu.

Before rising to prominence in politics, Atiku worked with the Nigeria Customs Service and later ventured into business, with investments spanning education and other sectors. He founded the American University of Nigeria (AUN) in Yola, Adamawa State.

ROUNDCHECK Findings 

ROUNDCHECK searched through credible media platforms and Atiku Abubakar’s publicly available statements for evidence that he promised to abolish house rent for Nigerians if elected president in 2027.

The search found no credible report or statement from Atiku in which he promised to stop landlords from collecting rent from tenants or threatened landlords with a 10-year prison sentence for violating such a law.

ROUNDCHECK discovered that Atiku only promised to release Local Government Funds directly if elected president in 2027.

Although newspapers with names similar to The Daily Tribune exist in countries such as the Philippines and Bahrain– not related to Nigeria.

ROUNDCHECK examined the newspaper front-page image used to support the claim and found no credible evidence that The Daily Tribune, as presented in the image, is an existing or verifiable newspaper publication in Nigeria.

Therefore, searches for the newspaper publication, including the alleged report and its attribution to Atiku Abubakar, produced no credible records confirming its authenticity.

In addition, ROUNDCHECK reviewed Atiku’s publicly available policy positions and statements on housing and related economic issues here, here, and here.

While he has discussed issues affecting Nigerians’ living conditions and the economy, no evidence was found linking him to a policy proposal that would completely abolish house rent or criminalise landlords for collecting rent.

ROUNDCHECK also searched Atiku Abubakar’s official social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, and X) and other publicly available sources for the alleged announcement but found no corresponding statement.

The claim therefore appears to be based on an unauthenticated newspaper image rather than a verifiable statement from Atiku Abubakar. The front page of the newspaper looks doctored as a form of propaganda.

A similar popular newspaper daily, Nigerian Tribune has also debunked and distanced itself from the front page headline.

Verdict

The claim is INCORRECT. ROUNDCHECK found no credible evidence that Atiku Abubakar promised to abolish house rent for Nigerians, prohibit landlords from collecting rent, or impose a 10-year prison sentence on landlords if elected president in 2027.

The newspaper image used to support the claim could also not be traced to a verifiable publication or credible report.

This live fact-checking effort seeks to curb the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and political propaganda that often cloud Nigeria’s electoral processes. By scrutinising information regarding the election as it emerges, the coalition aims to promote fact-based political discourse, minimise tensions driven by false narratives, enhance voter awareness, and uphold a transparent and credible election.

At a time when Nigeria faces increasing threats from false information and manipulative content, the NFC’s proactive approach is a crucial safeguard for democracy. It empowers citizens with verified information, ensuring that electoral choices are guided by truth rather than deception.

Stay tuned as our team brings you verified insights and real-time updates from the NFC’s fact-checking situation rooms.

Live Check Updates

CLAIM: The Nation Newspaper claimed (archived) that the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has withdrawn support for its governorship candidate, Peter Obafemi, and adopted incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

FINDINGS: The Nigerian Fact-Checkers’ Coalition (NFC) found several reports stating that the SDP, at the state level, has rallied support and aligned its structure with the APC to support the governor’s re-election bid. 

However, in a statement reported by TVC News and The Independent Newspaper, the SDP national leadership publicly distanced itself from the statement. The National Organising Secretary, Dr Uchechukwu Chukwuma Ogbonna, assured members of the party that they remain behind the party’s candidate, Peter Olugbenga Obafemi. 

Obafemi also reaffirmed his position as one of the people’s options at the polls. He said this while discussing his plans for the people of Ekiti on the TVC News YouTube page on Thursday, 18 June 2026.

Despite the intra-party dispute in SDP, INEC told the NFC that the party remains on the ballot and that votes cast for the party will be recorded. 

VERDICT: MISLEADING

CLAIM: A Facebook user shared an image (archived here) claiming it shows Ekiti residents collecting food items from politicians ahead of the June 20, 2026, gubernatorial elections.

FINDINGS: Google Reverse Image Search results linked the image to a separate event, which took place in Oyo State on June 9, 2026. Sahara Reporters, Lagelu FM and Punch explained that the image showed some Oyo residents expressing their support for Sharafadeen Alli, an APC politician, after he distributed 1kg sachets of Semovita during a political outreach.

VERDICT: MISLEADING.

CLAIM: An X user @OyoNews1 claims (archived here) that INEC cleared 13 political parties.  

FINDINGS: The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Centre for Journalism, Innovation and Development (CJID), and DUBAWA’s publications reveal there were 14 candidates cleared by INEC to contest for the top political seat in Ekiti State.

However, Joseph Anifowose of the Allied Peoples Movement party, in May 2026, declared support for the current governor, Abiodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress party. Victor Adetunji of the Zenith Labour Party also stepped down in support of the APC candidate on Thursday, June 18, 2026.

Meanwhile, INEC has included the Social Democratic Party’s candidate, Peter Obafemi, in the governorship race, despite its leadership crisis. INEC in Ekiti State told the Nigerian Fact-Checking Coalition that, despite the inclusion, there is no updated official list reflecting the new development. Consequently, only 13 candidates are currently in the race.    

VERDICT: CORRECT.

CLAIM: A picture is going viral on WhatsApp with the headline, “Ekiti High Court “nullifies” Supreme Court’s Verdict,” linking the story to the ongoing elections in the state.

FINDINGS: A Google search revealed that the picture in question was a screenshot of an old news article published by The Nation in 2019. The context is the relocation of the Ilejemeje local government council headquarters from Iye-Ekiti to Eda-Oniyo, Ekiti State. 

After a unanimous decision by the Supreme Court in support of the relocation, Justice Abiodun Adesodun of the Ekiti High Court faulted the government’s compliance with the verdict and insisted that the status quo be maintained until the final ruling of the lower court on the case.

The story was also reported by Vanguard News and Premium Times Nigeria that same year.

VERDICT: MISLEADING

CLAIM: An X user shared a video claiming unrest in Isan-Ekiti after a man was shot dead ahead of the election.

FINDINGS: Abayomi Shogunle, Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, confirmed there was unrest on the eve of the election. He claimed it was the result of a football match in the community, not election-related. Observers deployed by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) confirmed that a bus which conveyed police officers from Abuja to Ekiti, two tippers, and the police station were burnt down. While there was unrest, Police and other sources said that it was unrelated to the election.

VERDICT:  PARTLY CORRECT 

CLAIM: Roundoff News, a news blog, has claimed it (archived) that the Zenith Labour Party candidate, Victor Adetunji, has stepped down and endorsed the incumbent Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji.

FINDINGS: The Nigerian Fact-Checkers’ Coalition (NFC) spoke with Yahaya Makama, the National Secretary of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). Makama confirmed the claim to be true but noted that the ZLP was not consulted before the candidate, Victor Adetunji, stepped down and endorsed Oyebanji. 

“We didn’t endorse it here, and at the national level. We don’t know anything, as far as we are concerned. We are not aware of it, and we don’t endorse it. He did it without the consent of the national level.”

Makama added that the candidate’s action is the reason the party took action against its state chairperson, and the party does not endorse the All Progressives Congress candidate.

Yinka Oyebode, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, also confirmed Adetunji stepped down and has shown support for Oyebanji. 

VERDICT: CORRECT

CLAIM: An X user, @DaddyTwinzz, posted photos of a branded sachet of alcohol, claiming it is being used to buy votes in the ongoing Ekiti state election.

FINDINGS: Closer inspection of the photo and a Google Reverse Image Search revealed that the branded sachet gin was used as a campaign material by Hon. Adewale Olatunji during the 2025 Ibadan North By-Elections. 

There is no link between the sachet alcohol and the ongoing Ekiti State elections.

VERDICT: MISLEADING!

CLAIM: An X user claimed (archived here) that the All Progressive Congress (APC) is not involved in financial inducement or vote buying in the Ekiti State 2026 gubernatorial election.

FINDINGS: The claim is contradicted by field reports and media coverage from the election. A video published by Sahara Reporters captured a resident confirming that votes were indeed being sold at a polling unit. Also, Punch Newspaper reported that allegations of vote buying involving APC supporters led to a violent clash with supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), resulting in an injury. A resident contacted by the Nigerian Fact-checkers Coalition also confirmed witnessing vote-buying activities.

VERDICT: INCORRECT

CLAIM: A Facebook user shares a picture as evidence of massive voter turnout in Ado-Ekiti.

FINDINGS: Manual examination of the image reveals characteristics consistent with AI-generated images. We analysed the image using multiple AI detection tools, such as AI or Not and Deep AI. The results show that the images were 99% and 97% AI-generated, respectively. Also, we used Google Reverse Image Search on the image, but we found no source for it. 

VERDICT: INCORRECT 

This report is courtesy of the Nigerian Factcheckers Coalition and will be updated timely.

This is raising concerns about the accuracy of its public communication to its members and the general public.

On the party’s page, there are inconsistencies in how the name of David Mark is spelt ‘Sen. DAB Mark’ and Rauf Aregbesola, spelt ‘H.E. Segun Oresegbola’, are presented.

While both figures are well-known in Nigeria’s political space, their names appear incorrectly spelt in parts of the ADC website, differing from the widely accepted versions used in official records, media reports, and prior public service documentation.

About ADC

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is a Nigerian political party founded by Ralph Okey Nwosu in 2005 as part of efforts to broaden democratic participation beyond the country’s dominant parties.

Over the years, the ADC has attracted a mix of politicians, technocrats, and young people seeking alternative political expression. The party gained wider national attention during the 2019 general elections, when it fielded prominent candidates like Oby Ezekwesili and expanded its visibility across several states.

In the 2023 general elections, the party further strengthened its presence by presenting Dumebi Kachikwu as its presidential candidate.

Ahead of the 2027 election, ADC has been in the news for its coalition efforts aimed at uniting opposition groups. The move is largely driven by the need to challenge dominant parties like the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while reducing fragmentation among smaller parties.

Prominent political figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwakwanso, Rotimi Amaechi and Nasir El-Rufai have been associated with the coalition discussions, alongside other stakeholders seeking a strong third-force platform.

The coalition has gained relevance amid rising public dissatisfaction with economic conditions and governance, increasing demand for credible alternatives.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has also moved to remove the names of the National Working Committee led by David Mark.

Where the Errors Appear

Recent internal leadership disputes are ongoing within the ADC, involving multiple factions and questions over the legitimacy of the National Working Committee.

In such a sensitive context, inconsistencies on official platforms may further complicate public understanding and deepen uncertainty around the party’s structure.

A closer review of the party’s leadership page (https://adc.org.ng/leadership) reveals specific editorial errors, particularly the misspelling and inconsistent rendering of names of key officials

For instance, names of the disputed National Chairman and National Secretary are written on the homepage but appear incorrectly spelt, in the leadership section, indicating lapses in content management.

The National Chairman’s picture which appeared on the ADC website, has the name ‘Sen. DAB Mark’ under it, while that of the National Secretary has ‘ H.E Segun Oresegbola’ under it.

If we are to match the name with the pictures used, both names are incorrect.

The image referring to the National Chairman is that of ‘David Mark’, a former Senate President of Nigeria – not ‘DAB Mark’.

The image referring to the National Secretary is that of ‘Rauf Aregbesola’, a former interior minister in Nigeria – not ‘Segun Oresegbola’.

Independent records and reports consistently identify the individuals as ‘David Mark’ and ‘Rauf Aregbesola.’ These are the spellings that align with their long-standing public identities and official documentation.

Although ‘DAB’ as written by ADC could obviously mean ‘David Alechenu Bonaventure’, which is also David Mark’s name. But for someone holding such a position, accuracy of name is important for supporters.

Why Does This Matter

These errors should be corrected by standardising all names to match their verified and officially recognised spellings across every section of the website.

Ensuring consistency in how party leaders are identified is essential for credibility, especially in a period of internal contestation, as inaccuracies risk misinforming the public and undermining trust in the party’s official communication channels.

Accuracy in naming public officials is a fundamental standard in institutional communication, especially for political organisations seeking credibility and public trust.

Misspelling the names of top party leaders, especially on an official website, can undermine credibility, create confusion, and reflect weak internal review processes.

It can also misinform journalists and researchers who are not familiar with the Nigerian political landscape.

This live fact-checking effort seeks to curb the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and political propaganda that often cloud Nigeria’s electoral processes. By scrutinising information regarding the election as it emerges, the coalition aims to promote fact-based political discourse, minimise tensions driven by false narratives, enhance voter awareness, and uphold a transparent and credible election.

At a time when Nigeria faces increasing threats from fake news and manipulative content, the NFC’s proactive approach is a crucial safeguard for democracy. It empowers citizens with verified information, ensuring that electoral choices are guided by truth rather than deception.

Stay tuned as our team brings you verified insights and real-time updates from the NFC’s fact-checking situation rooms.

Live Check Updates

Claim: An X user @mr_niceguy234 claimed that Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has declared a public holiday on Friday, November 7, 2025, because teachers are to serve as delegates during the election. 

Findings: News reports confirm that the Anambra State government had declared Friday a public holiday for all workers in the state, not only teachers. In a statement, the state government said the directive aimed to encourage workers to participate actively in the elections. 

NFC observer Mboho Eno of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development could not confirm the assertion of teachers serving as delegates. The claimant has also deleted the tweet.

Source: TheCable, Election Observers 

Verdict: Misleading 

Claim: A Facebook post urging votes for the Labour Party claims, “All you need is your voter’s card, index finger, and ballot paper,” with a graphic saying, “Use the index finger to vote.”

Findings: The 2023 election voting procedure document does not specify any finger for voting. Also, ahead of the 2019 general election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (NEC) addressed claims about which finger should be used for voting. In a tweet on February 12, 2019, INEC clarified: “A voter can use any finger to vote but must ensure the mark is clear and placed inside the box of the chosen political party without straying into another box.”

Source: INEC 

Verdict: Misleading 

Claim: A Facebook user claimed that security operatives in Anambra State have uncovered how Ukachukwu Nicholas, APC candidate in Saturday’s Anambra governorship election, planned to use fake police and thugs to disrupt polls in Nnewi South & North, Ihala, and Onitsha South local government areas. 

Findings: The Anambra State  Police Command dismissed the allegation. Its spokesperson, Ikenga Anthony, refuted the claim. Further checks showed that several media outlets reported on Friday that robust security arrangements had been made to ensure a peaceful election in Anambra. For example, Channels Television noted the deployment of heavy security to escort election materials across LGAs, while The Punch reported tight security in Awka as residents prepared to vote on Saturday. 

Source: Police, Channels TV and Punch newspaper 

Verdict: Incorrect

Claim: An X user claims that Anambra’s voter turnout has hardly exceeded 22% in any election. 

Findings: An analysis by Premium Times of past Anambra voter turnout reveals that in the 1999 election, 1.02 million of the 2.2 million registered voters participated, representing a turnout of 46.4%. Similarly, the state recorded 47.22% turnout in the 2003 election. These findings also align with a recent report published by the Guardian newspaper. 

Source: Premium Times, Guardian newspaper 

Verdict: Incorrect 

Claim: An X user asserts that Charles Soludo removed Arabic inscriptions on banknotes in Nigeria when he was the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). 

Findings: A review of multiple media reports shows that the Nigerian government removed the Arabic (Ajami-derived) phrases on the lower domination of the bank notes in February 2007, citing a move to deepen national unity. Additionally, a check on the official website of the nation’s apex bank reveals that Soludo was the governor of the CBN in Nigeria at the time the shift was made. 

Source: TheCable, New Yorker and CBN 

Verdict: Misleading 

Claim: An X user claims that a governorship election was held somewhere in Anambra two days ago. 

Findings: The “United States of Biafra Government,” now coordinated by Ngozi Orabueze after the arrest of Simon Ekpa in Finland, organised what they described as a county governorship election on November 4th, 2025. 

The secessionist group had previously issued threats to prevent any Nigerian-led elections in Anambra State. However, days before the scheduled November 8th election, the group instead proceeded to conduct its own poll in rural communities around Anambra. 

While recent videos showed that this event occurred, it had no connection to the November 8 election, which is being coordinated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). 

Source: X videos, INEC 

Verdict: Correct 

Claim: An X user, Biafra First Son, claimed that Anambra’s governorship election will feature Nigeria’s first real-time result dashboard powered with artificial intelligence. 

Findings: 

Multiple media platforms revealed that the AI-powered dashboard, built by SoftSmart Enterprise Solutions, will read and process official result forms (EC8A) uploaded to the INEC’s IReV from 5,720 polling units across 326 electoral wards in the state. The process will last approximately 30 seconds, with an accuracy rate of 95%. The system also includes an Election Night Analytics Suite, which will generate trend projections, regional performance breakdowns, and turnout estimates using live data. 

Source: Daily Trust, Punch Newspaper

Verdict: Correct

Claim: A Facebook user claims that the November 8, 2025, Anambra State governorship election will be held in 5,118 out of 5,200 polling units in the state. 

Findings: Multiple media reports quoted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, as saying, “the election will be held in 5,718 of the 5,720 Polling Units in the state. Voting will not take place in the remaining two Polling Units due to the absence of registered voters.” 

Source: INEC, Thisday, Channels TV 

Verdict: Incorrect 

Claim: Michael Chibuz, in a Facebook group of over 85,000 members, claimed (archived) that two of Chukwuma Soludo’s Mayors were caught with N750 million cash each. 

Findings: In October 2024, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo swore in 21 local government chairpersons referred to as mayors. The Nigerian Fact-Checkers’ Coalition found no reports confirming such an arrest, and the Anambra State Police Command said the claim is false. Police Spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga informed the coalition that police patrol groups across the state had not reported such an incident. 

Source: Nigeria Police 

Verdict: Incorrect 

Claim: An X user @Ojay147 posted a picture of a man who sustained an injury on his head with the hashtag #anambradecides2025. 

Findings: An image search shows the image has been online since 2018. A TV report from Igbere TV News on June 24, 2018, shows that the picture was taken during a violent clash among members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the Dunukofia Local Government Area, Anambra State. The party’s deputy chairperson, Emma Otika, reportedly sustained a head injury during the attack when party executives from Dunukofia staged a protest at APGA’s state secretariat and the state House of Assembly in Akwa. 

Source: Igbere TV News, Facebook 

Verdict: Misleading

Claim: A Facebook user, Bube Africa, shared a video displaying bundles of cash, claiming in the caption that it was “election-sensitive materials” delivered for the Anambra election. 

Findings:  A reverse image search reveals that the same video was posted on Instagram in April 2025, months before the Anambra election in November. The captions claim the bundles of cash are from Nigeria’s socialite, Obi Cubana’s birthday celebration. Also, using keyword search, we located the same video posted on Pilse Nigeria’s TikTok account. The video has been on the internet before the Anambra election. 

Source: Google reverse image search, Pulse Nigeria 

Verdict: Incorrect 

Claim: An X user, @Esteembethemoth, congratulates (archived) Governor Charles Soludo as the winner in the ongoing Anambra elections. 

Findings: As of 12:30 pm on November 8, voting is ongoing in all polling units in Anambra State. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet to declare a winner for the governorship election. 

Source: INEC

Verdict: Incorrect 

Claim: An X user, @Tkoy2025, claimed (archived) that there is massive vote-buying ongoing in Anambra State by APGA and APC. 

Findings: Two journalists covering the election, Chingorom Ugwu of PREMIUM TIMES and Mustapha Usman of the ICIR, confirmed witnessing vote-buying in multiple locations. Also, PREMIUM TIMES’ early report indicates that vote-buying is rampant. 

Source: Premium Times, Journalists 

Verdict: Correct 

Claim: A TikTok user, Nigeria Undivided, shared a video showing a group of women being helped to thumbprint on a ballot paper, claiming it was recorded in Anambra on November 8. 

Findings: A key frame analysis of the video revealed that it was originally shared on X in 2023 by user @ThatVyktur, who alleged election rigging in the South East during the general election. The video is therefore not recent. 

Source: X (formerly Twitter)   

Verdict: Incorrect 

Claim: An X user claimed that Ezechukwu Nweke, Action Alliance (AA) gubernatorial candidate, is currently leading the polls by a wide margin. 

Findings: As of 2:37 pm, field observers from the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) reported that election results had not yet been sorted or collated. Vote sorting across all polling units began at 2:30 pm, making it impossible to verify which candidate was leading at the time the claim was made. 

Source: CJID field observers 

Verdict: Incorrect

Claim: An X user claimed that the All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu, defeated the Labour Party with 73 votes to 57 votes at Peter Obi’s polling unit. 

Findings: Data from the INEC IReV portal revealed that the APC garnered 73 votes from the 173 valid ballots in Polling unit 019, Umudum Akasi Square, Agulu II Ward, Anacha Local Government. By contrast, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) recorded 38 votes, while the Labour Party gained 57 votes. 

Source: INEC IReV 

Verdict: Correct 

Claim: An X user claimed that voters are being swayed with Gala and Malt at the ongoing Anambra guber poll. 

Findings: The NFC used various techniques and tools to trace the video’s origin, but found no leads. While vote-buying has been confirmed during the ongoing election, the video’s poor quality casts doubt on whether it is related to the gubernatorial poll. 

Source: Field observers 

Verdict: Unproven

Claim: The African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition posted some photos of coalition sheets on its X account, claiming the results were fake to discredit the coalition. 

Findings: A comparison between the photos uploaded by the user and those available on the INEC IReV portal for [olling units 005 Amaadim V Square I (Achalia III LGA), 010 UGA B.S.S I (Aguata LGA); 039 Obosi Central School III, and 014 Obasi Central School I (both in Idemili North LGA) shows that the results are identical, accurate, and were not manipulated, contrary to the ADC coalition’s claim. 

Source: INEC IReV portal 

Verdict: Misleading  

Claim: An X user, @whitenigerian, claimed the final result of the 2025 Anambra election has been released, with APGA getting 72.5% of the votes, APC 17.4%, LP 2% and PDP 0.2% 

Findings: As of 7:10 am, the NFC checked the INEC Election Result Viewer (IReV0 and noticed that only 99.33% of the results have been collated. Moreover, the independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not announced the final results of the election. Furthermore, the NFC contacted Amina Mianago, an election observer from the Centre for Journalism, Innovation and Development (CJID), who stated that there has yet to be an official announcement from INEC. Besides, no reputable news outlet has reported the announcement of any Anambra election result. 

Source: IReV portal, CJID field observer 

Verdict: Incorrect

Claim: A Facebook user claimed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) only got 1,401 votes in the Anambra election as of Sunday, November 8. 

Findings: Mainstream media reports the total figure for PDP in the election as 1,401. Meanwhile, INEC has declared Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as the winner of the election after polling a total of 422,664 votes, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) scored 99,445 votes.

Source: TVC News, Punch Newspaper 

Verdict: Correct 

Claim: The ADC coalition shared an image of a Gjana-Must-Go bag stuffed with money on X as evidence of “collusion everywhere” in the election; that the All Progressives Congress (APC) and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)  “turned the process into a heist and pushed out the coalition.” 

Findings: A reverse image check reveals that the image of the “Ghana-Must-Go” bag shared by ADC is unrelated to the just-concluded election. The image is from 2019, when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) seized cash during a patrol against vote-buying in Makurdi, Benue State. Although there have been reports of vote buying, Premium Times and Sahara TV posted the exact picture on March 9, 2019. 

Source: Premium Times, Sahara TV 

Verdict: Misleading

Claim: An X user claimed that Charles Soludo, the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), won the Anambra governorship election with 361,893 votes.

Findings:  The official results, as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), show that Soludo polled 422,664 votes, not 361,893 votes as claimed. Multiple media reports, from Premium Times and The Cable, confirm the announced figure. 

Source: New Central, Premium Times, The Cable 

Verdict: Incorrect 

Claim: A social media post on X alleges that there were no result sheets at Ihiala Amuwma Ward 013 in the just-concluded Anambra gubernatorial race. 

Findings: An election observer, Chimezie Nebolisa, from the Centre for Journalism, Innovation and Development (CJID), said that the polling unit had result sheets, but they arrived late. Additionally, a Premium Times reporter, Chinagorom Ugwu, told NFC that there was no such report. Finally, a check on INEC IReV shows a breakdown of election results in the polling unit. 

Source: Premium Times reporter, CJID election observer, INEC 

Claim: An X user, @drkenon2, claims that the votes recorded for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Njikoka LGA exceeded the number of accredited voters. 

Findings: According to the Anambra 2025 governorship election results published by BBC and Premium Times, Njikoka LGA had 119,605 registered voters, 30,907 accredited voters, and 30786 total votes cast. APGA secured 22,213 votes, which is well below the number of accredited voters. 

Source: BBC and Premium Times 

Verdict: Incorrect 

This will be updated timely.

The coalition will operate two situation rooms in Abuja and Lagos, where its members will monitor, fact-check, and debunk misinformation and disinformation that could incite violence, engender voter apathy, undermine trust in the electoral process, and affect the election outcome.

The on-site situation rooms in Lagos and Abuja will be open on Friday, November 7, and Saturday, November 8, and on Saturday, November 8, and Sunday, November 9, 2025, respectively.

The Coalition, launched in June 2022, includes three International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) signatories- Africa Check, FactCheckHub, and DUBAWA. Other partners are the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), FactsMatterNG, Digital Africa Research Lab, RoundCheck, WikkiTimes, and FactWatch.

The NFC debunked dozens of false information about Nigeria’s 2023 general elections and off-cycle state elections in Ondo and Edo, leveraging effective collaboration among researchers, fact-checkers, editors, data analysts, and social media specialists.

The coalition’s model has been adopted in other countries like Ghana and South Africa.

The NFC Acting Coordinator, who is also the editor at FactCheckHub, Victoria Bamas, said the NFC’s work is crucial in today’s information ecosystem, especially at a time when information can easily be weaponised.

“The work the NFC does is crucial in today’s information ecosystem, from media literacy to the verification of information. At a time when information can easily be weaponised for nefarious purposes, it is commendable to see a coalition of media organisations dedicating time and resources to sensitising the public and purifying the information space,” she said.

Speaking about media literacy reports on the Anambra election that the NFC produced as part of its situation room’s pre-election activities, she said the feedback is already showing that the work the coalition does is essential.

“These reports, which were amplified by multiple media houses, had a real impact. Someone who read one of the articles on electoral offences told me they were not even aware of some of the issues highlighted in the report before reading it.

“The NFC’s work helps enlighten citizens about the electoral process, thereby promoting civic participation. And for us to achieve good governance, we need an informed and active citizenry,” she said.

She expressed confidence in the work that the NFC will do and its impact on this election.

The Nigerian editor of Africa Check, David Ajikobi, said the new Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) leadership makes this election and NFC’s work significant.

“With the new leadership at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other factors, we consider the Anambra state election significant. As a result, we as fact-checkers are paying close attention.

“We are monitoring the media space, both online and offline, fact-checking and verifying the claims, and publishing reports to ensure the integrity of information surrounding the election.”

DUBAWA Editor Kemi Busari stated that the coalition’s goal is to mitigate the impact of election-related disinformation.

He said, “We’ve seen in recent years how election-related misinformation and disinformation significantly impact the process and outcome. We are trying to mitigate this by consolidating our resources to fact-check fraudulent claims during elections. We hope to do another solid job with the Anambra election.”

While the NFC monitors the electoral process, members of the public can send claims on WhatsApp – +234 903 078 5265.

Elections in Nigeria have always been defined by controversies. Electoral malpractice, ranging from ballot snatching to result sheet manipulations, has persistently plagued our democracy. However, in 2015, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) introduced the Smart Card Reader, which sought to verify voters electronically for the first time.

It was far from perfect. Machines failed, networks crashed, and officials reverted to manual accreditation in many places. In fact, BusinessDay reported how over 5.8 million people went on to vote without digital accreditation.

Learning from those mistakes, INEC launched the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in 2021 to replace the card reader. Alongside it came the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal, where Nigerians could log on to see polling unit results in real time.

Both systems played significant roles during the 2023 general elections. While some hailed them as milestones in electoral transparency, others criticised them as flawed, particularly after the prolonged delay in uploading the presidential results

With the Anambra governorship election approaching, these two acronyms, BVAS and IReV, are beginning to brew controversies and confusion. To help clear the air, here are six misconceptions about BVAS and IReV.

1. “BVAS means we now vote electronically”

This is perhaps the most common misunderstanding. This misconception spread during the 2021 Anambra governorship election, where BVAS was first tested. Many voters arrived at polling stations expecting electronic voting, where you press a button and your vote goes directly to a server. But that was not the case.

In reality,  BVAS has not replaced the traditional ballot paper system. You will still thumbprint on paper, and your votes will still be counted manually at the polling unit.

What then is BVAS meant for? BVAS simply ensures you are who you claim to be before you can vote. The machine verifies your identity by scanning your fingerprints or face to ensure you are not impersonating anybody. Apart from that, it is also used to transmit results to IReV after everyone has voted.

Therefore, for the 2025 Anambra election, you should be prepared for manual voting supported by digital checks.

2. “If my fingerprint fails, I won’t be able to vote”

This fear is valid but rooted in Nigeria’s long history of faulty machines on election day, especially with their repeated experiences with the Smart Card Reader failures pre-2023. Nigerians still carry that trauma.

However, BVAS has two verification methods: fingerprint and facial recognition. If one fails, INEC says the other steps in. Unfortunately, when both fail, you may be unable to vote.

However, the multi-accreditation mode of BVAS represents a significant improvement over the smart card reader.

3. “Results are counted and declared on IReV”

Because we have established that BVAS accredits you and IReV lets you see results, many voters may still assume that IReV is a digital collation centre where winners are announced. This is false.

The INEC result viewing portal is more like a public notice board, but in digital form. After polling unit officials count votes and record them on paper, they scan the result sheet and upload it to IReV for everyone to see.

Therefore, it is important for you to understand that IReV does not declare winners. Results are still counted and declared manually at the ward, LGA, and state collation centres, and that has not been replaced.

4. “Once results are uploaded to IReV, rigging is impossible”

While many expected IReV to eliminate election fraud, the 2023 general elections revealed otherwise. Watchdogs observed discrepancies between some results uploaded on IReV and the figures later announced at collation centres

Some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) argued that the promise of real-time transparency was undermined. INEC later admitted technical glitches delayed uploads, which further fuelled suspicion.

Although uploading results to IReV has made it more difficult to tamper with polling unit outcomes, manipulation remains possible during collation, where figures from hundreds of units are aggregated.

5. “IReV is for politicians”

IReV was created for everyone in Nigeria, not just politicians, party agents or INEC. As long as you can access a smartphone and the internet, you can monitor uploaded results from different polling units by logging onto the IReV portal.

That means you can view results uploaded on the portal and compare what was uploaded from your unit with what was later announced at collation. By doing this, you are also taking ownership of the election and demanding accountability from people who may want to manipulate results.

6. “BVAS always works perfectly”

Nigerians who witnessed the 2023 general elections know this is untrue. On the contrary, BVAS was reported to have malfunctioned in several states due to poor connectivity and unskilled officials. In some polling units, accreditation stretched for hours and left voters frustrated.  

While INEC insists it has learned lessons and improved its systems, it may not be out of place to expect some form of glitches on election day.

Written & edited by Nigeria Fact-Checkers Coalition (NFC) ahead of the Anambra 2025 election.

As Nigerians anticipate the Anambra off-cycle governorship election scheduled for November 8, there are growing speculations that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may postpone voting in some Local Government Areas (LGAs).

Off-cycle elections, held outside the regular election schedule, play a significant role in Nigeria’s democracy. They are often organised to fill vacant positions or address specific local and state matters. Unlike general elections that follow fixed timelines and draw large voter numbers, off-cycle polls can occur at any time. Their outcomes can shape both local governance and national politics.

Can INEC postpone elections?

It is not without precedent; Nigeria has experienced postponements in the past, often due to security challenges, logistical issues, or unforeseen disruptions, raising questions about what such a move would mean for voters this time.

Nigeria’s Electoral Act empowers the INEC to postpone voting in specific polling units, wards, local government areas, or even entire constituencies if serious issues prevent elections from holding. Such matters may include outbreaks of violence, natural disasters, widespread insecurity, or technical failures such as faulty BVAS or other election equipment.

This power has been exercised in the past. General elections were shifted in 2011 and 2019 due to logistical and security challenges. At the local level, elections have also been postponed or rerun in certain areas where ballot snatching, intimidation, or violence disrupted voting.

As the Anambra off-cycle governorship election draws near, there are growing concerns that similar disruptions could lead to postponements in parts of the state, particularly in volatile local government areas with histories of electoral violence.

Why INEC may postpone voting in Anambra

Anambra State has some longstanding issues that could cause the postponement of elections, ranging from insecurity often fuelled by separatist threats to political thuggery, attacks on INEC offices, and persistent logistical challenges such as poor road networks, difficult riverine terrain, and late deployment of materials. 

The state has also witnessed fire outbreaks that destroyed election facilities and sensitive equipment, creating delays in preparations. Prolonged court disputes over party primaries and candidate eligibility have historically complicated the electoral process and, in some cases, forced adjustments to election timelines.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have frequently enforced sit-at-home directives aimed at disrupting electoral activities. In past elections, these orders, sometimes reversed at the last minute, have created uncertainty and lowered voter turnout in South East states, including Anambra.

In 2021, the separatist group announced a one-week sit-at-home order from November 5 to 10, deliberately timed to disrupt the governorship election in the state. Although the group later rescinded the directive under pressure, fears of violence lingered, fuelling voter apathy.

According to a 2021 report by The Nation newspaper, which examined the conduct of the  Anambra gubernatorial elections that year, while many blamed INEC for shifting voting in Ihiala Local Government Area of the state from Saturday, November 6, to Tuesday, November 9, the real obstacle was insecurity, which continued even during the rescheduled exercise. This showed that INEC has limited control over security matters.

The situation was, however, different during the 2023 presidential elections. Unlike other South-Eastern states that witnessed violent attacks and voter apathy, Anambra did not experience such challenges.

Recent months have seen a decline in violent incidents, such as kidnappings and attacks on civilians, some attributed to IPOB or unknown gunmen. These have significantly strained security and election logistics.

A report by The Whistler, which cited data from SBM Intelligence, indicates a steady decline in killings in Anambra through 2025. In its July 30 update, the firm reported 39 deaths in the second quarter (Q2), a 38 per cent drop from 63 in Q1. This followed another decline from 95 deaths in Q4 2024, the state’s deadliest quarter within the January 2024 to June 2025 period.

While Anambra has shown signs of improved security in 2025, the shadow of past threats and uncertainties lingers. The possibility of election postponement remains tied to how well security agencies, INEC, and community stakeholders can manage risks in volatile areas.

In addition, Anambra was one of the states where INEC’s office suffered arson in 2019, leading to the destruction of over 4,600 Smart Card Readers (SCRs)—critical pieces of election equipment that take months to procure, forcing the commission to reschedule the elections.

Though a postponement does not mean cancellation. Instead, voting in the affected areas is rescheduled to a later date within the constitutional timeframe. This ensures that voters in those areas are not denied their rights.

What it really means

For voters, a postponement means they will be temporarily denied the opportunity to cast their ballot on Election Day, with a new date set once the issues are resolved. While this protects their right to vote eventually, it can discourage participation, especially if voters feel unsafe or lose trust in the process.

Written & edited by Nigeria Fact-Checkers Coalition (NFC) ahead of the Anambra 2025 election.

On November 8, 2025, the people of Anambra State will head to the polls to elect a new governor. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cleared 16 candidates from different political parties to contest in what promises to be a highly competitive race.

From seasoned politicians and entrepreneurs to first-time contenders, each of the 16 candidates brings their unique experiences and plans for the future of Anambra State.

1. Ukachukwu Nicholas (APC)

Nicholas Ukachukwu is a businessman and politician from Osumenyi, Anambra State. According to his campaign website (archived here), he started his education at Omaigwe Primary School. Afterwards, he moved to Dennis Memorial Grammar School, and eventually to the University of Calabar where he bagged a B.Sc. degree in Business Administration.

He founded SNECOU Group Limited, a business with investments in oil and gas, real estate, construction, agriculture, education, and media. He was a former chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) in the FCT and also served in Nigeria’s  House of Representatives from 1999 to 2003, representing the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency.

He is currently the governorship candidate for Anambra State under the All Progressives Congress in the 2025 election.

2. Ezenwafor Jude (PDP)

Ezenwafor Jude is a real estate developer and trade consultant who emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) flag-bearer after running unopposed in the party’s primary, where he received unanimous endorsement from 853 delegates across the state.

His career spans key roles in Nigerian politics, including advisory positions to state governors, leadership within political parties, and diplomatic engagements in global trade and investment.

3. Charles Soludo  (APGA)

Charles Soludo, the incumbent governor of Anambra State, is running for a second term under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

He served as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from 2004 to 2009. Before that, he was the Chief Economic Adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo and headed the National Planning Commission as its Director-General from 2003 to 2004. He was also the founding Chairman of the Africa Finance Corporation and has consulted for multiple international organisations.

4. Geoffrey Onyejegbu (NNPP)

Geoffrey Onyejegbu is the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) governorship candidate for the 2025 Anambra State election. He is a retired Colonel of the Nigerian Army.

Previously,  he vied for the gubernatorial ticket of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in 2021 but contested under the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

5. Moghalu Nnadubem (LP)

Moghalu Nnadubem, the Labour Party’s governorship candidate, hails from Nnewi, Nnewi North LGA, Anambra State.

His career spans decades, with contributions in both public and private sectors, including as Director General of the Bureau of Cooperatives and Rural Development in Abia State. He was also the Managing Director/CEO of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).

Beyond his professional achievements, he founded the Zimuzo Development Foundation.

6. Chukwurah Vincent (SDP)

Vincent Chukwurah is the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Born in 1954 and from Anambra State, Vincent has a general high school diploma.

He contested for Idemili North/ Idemili South seat in the House of Representatives in the 2023 elections under the Social Democratic Party.

7. Onyeze Charles (A)

Onyeze Charles is a philanthropist and politician in Anambra. He was declared unopposed as the candidate of the Accord party during its primary election held at the East End Hotel, Aroma in Awka, Anambra State.

The 54-year-old is running with Ezeadili Appolonia.

8. Nweke Japhet (AA)

Nweke Japheth emerged as the Action Alliance Party’s gubernatorial candidate for Anambra State in the 2025 election. He secured the primaries through an Option A4 voting system and garnered 58 votes from party delegates at the state’s party primary.

He is the chairman/CEO  of Blue Shield Security Company Limited.

9. Ifemeludike Chioma (AAC)

Ifemeludike Chioma is the first of five children and lost her father at a young age. She attended Saint Paul’s Primary School, Township Secondary School, and Saint John’s Secondary School – all in Jos, Plateau State. She studied political science at Anambra State University (now Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University), where she was active in student unionism and civil rights volunteering.

She is the youngest candidate in this gubernatorial election.

10. Nwosu Chuma (ADC)

Chuma Nwosu hails from Oduda, Nnewichi community in Nnewi, Anambra State. He is an economist and computer technologist with over 30 years experience in the private sector. He currently serves as CEO of Jetlink Group Ltd., an ICT firm with regional interests in Nigeria, Ghana, and Liberia.

He emerged as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, receiving a certificate of return and selecting Geoffrey Nwobu as his running mate.

11. Otti  Echezona (APM)

Otti Echezona is the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM’s) governorship candidate, with Ezeigwe Chuka Samuel as his running mate. He was confirmed in the final candidate list published by INEC.

The 66-year-old has his first school-leaving certificate, Senior School Certificate Examination, and Higher National Diploma.

12. Nweke  Chukwudubem (APP)

INEC’s finalised list for the November 8, 2025 Anambra governorship election identifies Nweke Christopher Chukwudubem as the Action Peoples Party (APP) candidate, with Okeke Blessing Ebele as his running mate.

Nweke is currently 44 years old and studied Law.

13. Okeke Jerry (BOOT)

Okeke Jerry was born in Ezinifite, Aguata LGA of Anambra State. He attended Town School and Community Secondary School, Ezinifite. He later studied Civil Engineering at IMT Enugu and Geological Science at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK). He pursued further studies in Linguistics, Law, and Public Administration.

He founded Edumail Publications Ltd. in 2005. This company produces textbooks, storybooks, and educational materials widely used across Nigeria, including by NECO. He has published over 100 storybooks, 20 books, and 25 workbooks.

14. Ndidi Olieh(NRM)

INEC recognised 40-year-old Ndidi Olieh as the National Rescue Movement (NRM) flagbearer for the Anambra governorship election and Ogbe Reginald as her deputy. She is also the Anambra state spokesperson for her party. Her educational qualifications include a first school-leaving certificate, National Examination Council (NECO), and a BSc from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

15. Paul Chukwuma  (YPP)

Paul Chukwuma was born on February 27, 1978, in Ihiala, Anambra State. Paul is married to Fidelia Chukwuma and has six children. He holds a First-Class degree in Philosophy (UNN) and Law, plus a Master of Laws in Intellectual Property & IT Law with Distinction. He is also an alumnus of the Lagos Business School.

He founded a group of companies spanning ICT, real estate, construction, and education, including Olivia University of Medical Sciences in Anambra and Olivia University in Burundi, creating jobs and opportunities across Africa. He has invested in youth empowerment and innovation through scholarships, social programmes, and the Centre for Applied Research & Development (CARD).

16. Martin  Ugwoji (ZLP)

Martin Ugwoji, aged 59, is the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)’s official governorship candidate for the Anambra 2025 election. His deputy running mate is Obi Faith.

He has his first school-leaving certificate and a WAEC qualification.  

Written & edited by Nigeria Fact-Checkers Coalition (NFC) ahead of the Anambra 2025 election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has continually warned against vote-buying, ballot box snatching, underage voting and other electoral malpractices as Anambra election holds November 8.

INEC organises elections into various political offices in the country.

The Electoral Act 2022 clearly outlines the rules and regulations guiding electoral processes. But many Nigerians are unaware of the provisions in the Act that could lead to their arrest.

This article highlights the key activities that could lead to arrest during the forthcoming election in Anambra. 

Legal framework

Electoral offences in Nigeria are comprehensively stipulated in the Electoral Act 2022.

It was assented to by the late former president, Muhammadu Buhari, in February 2022 and later gazetted and published in the following month for adoption ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Under the Act, offences such as vote buying, impersonation, and voting by unqualified voters, among others, carry a fine, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the offence.

This effort aims to ensure credible, free, and fair elections among participating parties, thereby ensuring that citizens’ votes count.

The Anambra election is approaching, and the Electoral Act 2022 will remain in effect until it is amended or repealed. If you are a voter in Anambra, below are some of the offences that could lead to your arrest in the governorship election period.

• Voter registration offences

Everyone in Anambra who is eligible to vote is required to register for the election. However, it is important to note that anyone who, without authority, destroys, mutilates, deface, removes, or alters a registration notice or document may face imprisonment. 

In addition, impersonating or registering in a constituency you are not entitled to, or registering at multiple centres; publishing false statements to deter eligible voters from registering; making false entries in registration documents; obstructing registration or revision officers; impersonating registration officers; forging a registration card; or conducting registration or revision outside designated centres are all prohibited by the law. 

These offences carry a fine of up to N1 million, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both.

• Offences in respect of nomination

If you forge, deface, destroy, unlawfully handle or deliver forged nomination papers, result forms, certificates of return, ballot papers, ballot boxes, or you consent to be a candidate when ineligible, you commit an offence and are liable on conviction to imprisonment for up to two years.

• Manufacturing or importing election materials without authority

The Nigerian law criminalises manufacturing, importing, possessing, or supplying ballot boxes, compartments, voting devices, or mechanisms without proper authority. 

The unlawful possession, illegal printing of a ballot paper, illegal production, importation of ballot boxes or the illegal printing of ballot papers are prohibited.

These offences attract a maximum fine of N50 million, imprisonment for a term of not less than 10 years, or both.

• Disorderly behaviour at political meetings

Political meetings are essential for the promotion of democracy, especially in a multi-party system like Nigeria’s. However, opposition groups sometimes attempt to disrupt one another’s gatherings. Acting in a disorderly manner or being in possession of an offensive weapon at a political meeting can result in a  fine of up to N500,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both.

• Improper use of voter’s card

Your voter’s card is meant for you only and can’t be shared with others. Therefore, giving your voter’s card to someone else to use during an election, other than an officer appointed to do so, is unlawful. It’s also the same for possessing more than one voter’s card or buying, selling and dealing with voters’ cards. Anyone found wanting of these offences is liable to a fine of up to N1 million,  imprisonment for 12 months, or both.

• Improper use of government vehicles

It is prohibited to convey any person to a registration office or to a polling unit using a government vehicle or boat except such a person is entitled to use such a vehicle or boat, for instance, an electoral officer. 

Anyone who does this risks a fine of up to N500,000 or imprisonment for up to six months, or both.

• Impersonation and voting when not qualified

If you attempt to vote in the Anambra election without being qualified to vote, or you induce a person to vote knowing such a person is not qualified, you can be liable of a fine of up to N500,000 or 12 months imprisonment or both. This also applies to voting more than once or aiding the commission of these offences.

• Dereliction of duty and announcing false result

If you are a polling officer who fails to report to the polling unit on time or fails to discharge your duties on election day without a lawful excuse, you can be convicted and fined up to N500,000 or imprisoned for up to 12 months, or both. 

Additionally, announcing or publishing a false election result is punishable by up to 36 months imprisonment. 

If a returning officer, collation officer, or person delivers a false certificate of return, they will be liable to  a sentence of up to three years imprisonment without the option of a fine. 

• Bribery and conspiracy: vote buying

Paying money to any other person for bribery at any election or receiving any money or gift for voting, or to refrain from voting at any election, carries a fine of up to N500,000 or imprisonment for 12 months, or both. If a person aids and abets such offences, the same punishment applies. 

1. Voting interference 

Voting must be done in secret in the polling booth, so that no one else knows the party you voted for. Flouting this rule means you are not maintaining the secrecy of voting at a polling unit. At the polling booth, you cannot interfere with or speak to a voter casting their vote.  If found guilty, you will face a fine of up to N100,000 or imprisonment for up to three months, or both. 

• Wrongful voting and false statements

Illegal voting at an election and publishing any statement of the withdrawal of a candidate or about his personal character, knowing it to be false, will attract a fine of  up to N100,000 or imprisonment for a term of six months, or both. 

• Voting by unregistered persons

If you bring a voter’s card issued to another person into a polling unit during an election, you are liable to be fined N100,000 or imprisoned for six months, or both. You get the same punishment if you attempt to knowingly vote in a constituency that doesn’t have your name in its register.

• Disorderly conduct at elections

If you incite people to act in a disorderly manner at polling units, you will be liable to a  fine of N500,000 or imprisonment for a term of 12 months, or both. 

• Offences on election day

According to the Act, within a distance of 300 metres of a polling unit, you must not canvass for votes, persuade any voter not to vote for a particular candidate, or be in possession of any offensive weapon. 

You must also not wear or display any notice, symbol, photograph, or party card. Using any vehicle bearing the colour or symbol of a political party, loitering around a polling unit, or blaring a siren is also prohibited. 

Flouting these prohibitions can result in a fine of N100,000 or a term of imprisonment of six months. 

In addition, the snatching or destruction of any election material can result in a 24-month imprisonment.

• Undue Influence  –  vote buying & selling 

If you accept money or any other inducement after the announcement of an election date, or if you give money or an inducement to corruptly influence someone to vote or not vote, you will face penalties. You are liable to be fined N100,000 or imprisoned for 12 months, or both.

• Violence, threats, or campaign obstruction

If you threaten a person with violence or injury to compel that person to vote or refrain from voting, or you prevent any political aspirant from free use of the media vehicles, mobilisation of political support and campaign at an election, you will be liable to be fined N1 million or imprisoned for three years. 

Written & edited by Nigeria Fact-Checkers Coalition (NFC) ahead of the Anambra 2025 election.