EFCC Arrests Three Suspected Vote Buyers During Anambra Governorship Election

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested three individuals suspected of engaging in vote-buying during the Anambra governorship election held on Saturday, November 8, 2025.

In a statement released via the agency’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the EFCC confirmed that its monitoring teams made the arrests in different parts of the state. The suspects were identified as Emeka Ilokasia, apprehended at Ward 2 in Njikoka Local Government; Nwachukwu Loretta, arrested at Ward 2 (008), Awkuzu in Oyi Local Government; and Emuka Chuwudi, caught at Umunachi village in Dunukofia Local Government.

The EFCC noted that the arrests were part of its broader monitoring efforts to curb financial inducement and ensure the integrity of the electoral process. The agency further disclosed that all suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court once investigations are concluded.

Political Stakeholders Decry Vote-Buying Allegations

While the EFCC intensified its enforcement operations, political stakeholders in the state expressed growing concern over reports of financial inducement at polling units. Labour Party governorship candidate George Moghalu described the situation as “rampant” and “deeply unfortunate,” emphasizing that the practice undermines democracy and the credibility of elections.

“Despite the heavy presence of security personnel, I have received multiple reports of vote-buying across several wards,” Moghalu said. “This is most unfortunate and calls for urgent reforms to protect the sanctity of our electoral system.”

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State also raised similar alarms, alleging that a rival political party was attempting to manipulate results through financial incentives during the collation process. According to Soludo, “one candidate in the southern local government areas has been offering as much as ₦15,000 per voter in a desperate bid to influence the outcome.”

EFCC’s Renewed Commitment to Electoral Integrity

The EFCC has consistently maintained that vote-buying constitutes a form of corruption capable of eroding public confidence in the democratic process. The Commission reiterated its readiness to collaborate with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and civil society groups to curb electoral malpractices across the country.

Legal experts have commended the agency’s swift response, describing the arrests as a deterrent to future offenders. However, they also called for timely prosecution and stronger legal frameworks to ensure lasting accountability.

As the investigation continues, public attention remains focused on how the EFCC and other law enforcement bodies will translate arrests into convictions—a critical step toward restoring faith in Nigeria’s elections.