EFCC Arrests 20 Over Alleged Vote Buying in FCT Council Elections

EFCC Arrests 20 Over Alleged Electoral Fraud in FCT Council Polls


Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrested 20 individuals for suspected electoral offences during the recently concluded Federal Capital Territory (FCT) local government elections.


The arrests, carried out on Saturday, February 21, 2026, followed intelligence and monitoring operations across several area councils within the FCT.



According to reports, the suspects were apprehended for offences ranging from vote buying, vote selling and obstruction of electoral officers


Authorities disclosed that a total sum of ₦17,218,700 was linked to the suspects in connection with the alleged illegal activities.


  In one notable case, a suspect was reportedly arrested with ₦13.5 million found inside a vehicle parked near a polling unit in Kwali Area Council. The discovery raised suspicions of attempted vote inducement during the election process.



The 20 suspects were arrested across multiple locations in the FCT involving two in Abaji, nine in Gwagwalada, four in Kuje, four in Kwali and others across the territory


The distribution of the arrests suggests coordinated monitoring across several voting locations during the council elections.



   While the EFCC is primarily known for tackling financial crimes and corruption, the Commission has increasingly played a role in monitoring electoral processes, particularly in addressing vote buying and financial inducement during elections.

Vote buying has remained a persistent challenge in Nigeria’s democratic process, often undermining electoral credibility and weakening public trust in governance.  By intervening during the FCT council polls, the EFCC signaled its commitment to curbing financial misconduct linked to elections.



       You can also read: 

https://everydaystorynetwork.blogspot.com/2026/02/nafdac-seizes-3-billion-worth-of-banned.html 

NAFDAC Uncovers N3 Billion Worth of Banned and Fake Cosmetics in Lagos Warehouse 


https://everydaystorynetwork.blogspot.com/2026/02/ghana-police-arrest-15-in-koforidua.html 

Ghana Police Arrest 15 in Alleged Prostitution and Human Trafficking Operation, Including 12 Nigerians 



The Commission has stated that investigations are ongoing and that the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of preliminary inquiries.


If prosecuted and convicted, the suspects could face penalties under Nigeria’s electoral and anti-corruption laws.



Electoral fraud, especially vote buying and selling, poses serious threats to democratic accountability. When money influences voter decisions, it compromises the integrity of leadership selection and weakens governance structures at all levels.

The EFCC’s latest action may serve as a warning ahead of future elections, reinforcing the message that financial inducement during voting carries legal consequences.


As investigations continue, more details are expected regarding the identities of the suspects and the specific charges to be filed.

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