Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested 20 suspects and recovered over N17 million allegedly linked to vote buying during the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) council elections.
A statement posted on the commission’s official X handle on Sunday noted that the arrests were made on Saturday, February 21, 2026, across the FCT.
According to the EFCC, the suspects were apprehended for offences ranging from vote buying and vote selling to obstruction of electoral officers. A total of N17,218,700 was reportedly recovered during the operations.
The commission disclosed that one suspect was found with N13.5 million in a vehicle parked near a polling unit in Kwali. Two suspects were arrested in Abaji, nine in Gwagwalada, four in Kuje and four in Kwali.
The EFCC said the suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
The elections were conducted across the six FCT area councils — Abaji, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali and Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).
Observer group Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) reported instances of voter inducement in parts of Gwagwalada and Kuje, with alleged cash offers ranging from N1,000 to N5,000.
Results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) showed the All Progressives Congress winning five chairmanship seats, while the Peoples Democratic Party secured one.
