Abuja, Nigeria — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed the arrest of at least 20 suspects over alleged vote-buying and electoral malpractice during the just-concluded Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, intensifying the spotlight on electoral integrity in Nigeria’s capital.
According to a statement released by the anti-graft agency’s spokesperson, operatives were deployed across key polling units in the FCT following intelligence reports that political actors had mobilised funds to induce voters. The commission disclosed that a total of ₦17 million in cash was recovered from the suspects at different locations, alongside envelopes allegedly earmarked for distribution to voters.
The arrests reportedly took place in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, and Gwagwalada, where EFCC officials said they observed suspicious cash movements near polling centres. Some of the suspects were allegedly caught distributing money to voters after accreditation, while others were apprehended with large sums believed to be intended for inducement.
The EFCC stated that vote-buying remains a major threat to Nigeria’s democracy and warned that it would not hesitate to prosecute anyone found culpable, regardless of political affiliation. “Electoral corruption undermines the will of the people and weakens democratic governance,” the statement read, adding that investigations are ongoing to determine whether the suspects were acting independently or on behalf of political parties.
The agency also revealed that it is collaborating with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other security agencies to strengthen monitoring mechanisms in future elections. Officials emphasized that the commission had earlier engaged political parties and candidates in pre-election sensitisation meetings, warning against financial inducement and other electoral offences.
Observers noted that the crackdown came amid reports of low voter turnout across the FCT, with civic groups blaming widespread distrust in the electoral process. Analysts say enforcement actions such as these could either deter malpractice or further inflame partisan tensions, depending on how transparently prosecutions are handled.
Political parties have yet to officially claim responsibility for the suspects, though some opposition figures have called for a broader investigation into what they describe as systemic vote-trading. Meanwhile, the EFCC confirmed that the arrested individuals would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
As Nigeria prepares for future off-cycle elections and the 2027 general polls, the anti-corruption agency’s actions in the FCT may signal a tougher stance against electoral fraud — a development many civil society groups have long demanded.