2023 Nigerian Senate elections in Anambra State

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The 2023 Nigerian Senate elections in Anambra State were held on February 25, 2023. Three seats were up for grabs, one from each senatorial district: Anambra Central, Anambra North, and Anambra South. The primaries for these seats took place in 2022 (April 4 to June 9).

Overview
- In 2019, only one of Anambra’s three incumbent senators was re-elected. The state remained highly competitive, with power shifting among PDP, APGA, APC, YPP, and LP.
- The 2023 races featured several high-profile candidates and notable party moves, including defections and court disputes over primary results.

Anambra Central
- District covers Awka North and South, Njikoka, Anaocha, Idemili North and South, and Dunukofia.
- Incumbent: Uche Ekwunife (PDP), seeking re-election.
- Major challengers:
- APC: Kodilichukwu Okelekwe
- APGA: Dozie Nwankwo (upset winner over Victor Umeh in the 2022 APGA primary)
- LP: Victor Umeh (defected after losing APGA primary)
- Notable context: Ekwunife ran as the PDP candidate (nominated in PDP primary, reportedly unopposed). APGA’s Nwankwo’s win in 2022 was a major upset, and Umeh later pursued the LP nomination.

Anambra North
- District covers Onitsha and surrounding areas.
- Incumbent: Stella Oduah (PDP), seeking re-election.
- Major challengers:
- APC: Ifeyinwa Anazonwu
- APGA: Ebelechukwu Obiano (former First Lady of Anambra)
- LP: Tony Nwoye
- Notable context: APGA held a primary that produced Obiano as its nominee; Oduah faced competition from several major parties as she sought another term.

Anambra South
- District covers Aguata, Ekwusigo, Ihiala, Nnewi North and South, Orumba North and South.
- Incumbent: Ifeanyi Ubah (YPP), seeking re-election.
- Major challengers:
- APC: Chukwuma Michael Umeoji
- APGA: Chris Emeka Azubogu (initial APGA nominee; faced later disputes and court rulings)
- LP: Chris Uba
- Notable context: The APGA nomination in this district was contentious, with later court actions affecting who was recognized as the valid nominee.

Notes
- These races reflected Anambra’s status as a highly competitive electoral state, with several party switches, strong local rivalries, and legal challenges shaping candidate lineups.
- The elections were conducted alongside other national and state elections, highlighting Anambra’s dynamic political landscape.