ABUJA — Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested 20 suspects for alleged vote buying and other electoral offences during the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections held on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
In a statement released on Sunday, the anti-graft agency confirmed the recovery of ₦17,218,700 in cash from the suspects. A significant portion of this amount, ₦13.5 million, was reportedly found in a single vehicle intercepted near a polling unit in the Kwali Local Government Area.
Breakdown Of Arrests
The EFCC strategically deployed personnel across all six area councils following a mandate from the electoral umpire to curb voter inducement. The arrests occurred in the following locations:
- Gwagwalada:Â 9 suspects.
- Kuje:Â 4 suspects.
- Kwali:Â 5 suspects.
- Abaji: 2 suspects.
Allegations And Observer Reports
While the EFCC has not yet named the specific political parties involved, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other monitors have raised alarms regarding widespread malpractice.
Election monitors from the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD–West Africa) reported that voters were allegedly offered between ₦1,000 and ₦5,000 in several wards. Some suspects were also apprehended for obstructing election officers during the performance of their duties.
Public Criticism And Calls For Transparency
The arrests have sparked a fresh wave of debate. While the APC hailed the conduct of the polls as a victory for the “Renewed Hope” agenda, many Nigerians remain skeptical.
Critics have called on the EFCC to be transparent about the political affiliations of the suspects to avoid accusations of selective enforcement. Civil society groups also pointed out that the cash recovery is a symptom of deeper issues, as total valid votes in major races like AMAC reached only a fraction of registered voters.
The EFCC has stated that all 20 suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
