Operatives of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested 20 individuals over alleged electoral offences, including vote buying and vote selling, during Saturday’s area council elections across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement released on Sunday via its official X handle, the anti-graft agency disclosed that more than N17 million was recovered from the suspects during coordinated operations at different polling locations across the territory.
According to the commission, the arrests followed intelligence-driven surveillance and on-the-spot interventions aimed at curbing financial inducement and other forms of malpractice capable of undermining the credibility of the electoral process. EFCC said the suspects were apprehended while allegedly attempting to influence voters with cash payments.
“One of the suspects was arrested with a sum of N13,500,000 (Thirteen Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira) in a car parked beside a polling booth in the Kwali Local Government Area,” the statement read.
The agency added that two suspects were arrested in Abaji, nine in Gwagwalada, four in Kuje, and another four in Kwali, bringing the total number of arrests to 20.
EFCC stated that all the suspects are currently in custody and will be arraigned in court after the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
Saturday’s council elections in the FCT were marked by low voter turnout in many polling units, with reports of logistical challenges, late arrival of electoral materials, and allegations of widespread vote trading.
African Democratic Congress (ADC) accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of systematic voter inducement and intimidation, claiming these practices influenced the outcome of the polls.
Despite the controversies, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the APC winner in five of the six chairmanship contests, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured victory only in Gwagwalada Area Council.
EFCC reiterated its commitment to working with other security and electoral agencies to curb financial crimes and ensure that future elections are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner.
