By Dalena Reporters | November 8, 2025
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested three suspects for alleged vote-buying during Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra State, in what authorities describe as part of ongoing efforts to curb financial inducement and electoral manipulation across Nigeria.
According to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the arrests were made in Njikoka, Oyi, and Dunukofia Local Government Areas of the state following a series of coordinated surveillance operations by anti-graft agents deployed to monitor polling units.
“The suspects were apprehended while either offering cash inducements to voters or collecting money in exchange for votes,” Oyewale said in a statement released late Saturday. “They will be charged to court once investigations are concluded.”
The Commission disclosed that the first suspect was arrested at Ward 2, Njikoka LGA, the second at Ward 2 (008), Awkuzu, Oyi LGA, and the third at Umunachi village in Dunukofia LGA. Although EFCC did not reveal the identities of the suspects or the political affiliations involved, officials confirmed that several incriminating items — including cash and voters’ cards — were recovered from the scenes.
Vote-buying has remained a recurring challenge in Nigeria’s electoral system, with candidates and party agents often accused of using cash or gift items to influence voters at polling stations. Analysts say the EFCC’s intervention marks a growing trend in the agency’s involvement in election monitoring beyond its traditional focus on financial crimes.
“Electoral corruption erodes the legitimacy of governance and fuels public mistrust,” said political analyst Dr. Chika Eze, speaking to Dalena Reporters. “The EFCC’s presence in Anambra signals a stronger inter-agency collaboration between financial crime investigators and electoral authorities.”
The EFCC noted that the suspects are currently in custody and would face prosecution upon completion of investigations. Legal experts have called for swift judicial processes to ensure that electoral offenders are not only apprehended but also convicted to deter future violations.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had earlier warned political parties and candidates against engaging in vote-buying, describing it as a criminal act that undermines the integrity of democratic elections.
As at the time of filing this report, the Anambra State Police Command and INEC were yet to issue official statements regarding the arrests. However, observers say the EFCC’s actions could set a precedent for stricter enforcement during future elections, including those scheduled in other states.
The 2025 Anambra governorship election has drawn significant attention from both domestic and international observers, given the state’s political importance and history of competitive contests. Civil society groups monitoring the polls have also reported isolated cases of voter inducement and ballot interference, though overall turnout remained moderate.
The EFCC reiterated its commitment to working with other agencies to ensure transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s electoral processes.
“Vote-buying remains a threat to credible elections,” Oyewale stated. “The Commission will continue to deploy its operatives to ensure that the integrity of the ballot is protected.”
Dalena Reporters Analysis:
The arrests highlight EFCC’s evolving role in Nigeria’s democratic space — from prosecuting economic crimes to policing the political economy of elections. Yet, without prompt trials and convictions, enforcement risks being symbolic rather than transformative. The Anambra arrests thus test whether Nigeria’s anti-graft and electoral systems can translate law enforcement momentum into lasting institutional credibility.