EFCC Arrests 20, Recovers N17m Over Alleged Vote Buying in FCT Council Polls

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 20 suspects over alleged vote buying and other electoral offences during Saturday’s area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory.

In a statement shared on its official X account on Sunday, the anti-graft agency said its operatives recovered more than N17 million from some of the suspects.

According to the EFCC, one suspect was found with N13.5 million inside a vehicle parked near a polling unit in Kwali Area Council. The agency said the arrests were made across several councils: two suspects in Abaji, nine in Gwagwalada, four in Kuje and four in Kwali.

The commission said investigations are ongoing and the suspects will be charged to court upon completion of inquiries.

The election recorded low voter turnout across parts of the FCT. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) alleged irregularities after its candidates were defeated in multiple councils.

Results released by electoral authorities show that the All Progressives Congress (APC) won five of the six chairmanship seats, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured victory in Gwagwalada Area Council.