EFCC Intervenes in FCT Local Government Elections
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) apprehended 20 suspects on Saturday, February 21, 2026, for alleged electoral offences during the recently concluded Federal Capital Territory (FCT) local government elections in Nigeria. The arrests were made across various area councils within the FCT, targeting individuals involved in activities such as vote buying, vote selling, and obstruction of election officials.
Details of Arrests and Recovered Funds
According to statements released by the EFCC, including one posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, a total of ₦17,218,700 (Seventeen Million, Two Hundred and Eighteen Thousand, Seven Hundred Naira) was recovered from the suspects. A significant portion of this amount, specifically ₦13,500,000 (Thirteen Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira), was found with one suspect in a vehicle parked near a polling booth in the Kwali Local Government Area.
The arrests were distributed across several FCT area councils:
- Abaji: 2 suspects
- Gwagwalada: 9 suspects
- Kuje: 4 suspects
- Kwali: 4 suspects (Some sources indicate 5 suspects in Kwali, but the total remains 20 across all locations).
The EFCC's Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, confirmed these details, stating that 'The suspects were arrested across the FCT, for offences ranging from vote buying, vote selling to obstruction of officers.'
Commitment to Electoral Integrity
The anti-graft agency emphasized its commitment to ensuring the integrity of Nigeria's electoral process. The commission stated that investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon their conclusion. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had previously mandated the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to deploy personnel to polling units to curb vote trading during the FCT area council elections. This proactive measure underscores the authorities' resolve to combat electoral malpractice and uphold democratic principles in the country.
6 Comments
BuggaBoom
Good to see EFCC stepping up to protect our democracy.
Loubianka
It's commendable that the EFCC is enforcing electoral laws, but beyond these arrests, there needs to be a robust public enlightenment campaign to educate citizens on the long-term consequences of selling their votes. Enforcement alone isn't enough.
Katchuka
Excellent work by the anti-graft agency. This is a positive step.
KittyKat
This is just for show. These suspects will be released next week.
Noir Black
Vote buyers and sellers deserve to be caught. Well done!
Eugene Alta
Great job, EFCC! This is how we restore faith in our elections.