Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested three suspected vote buyers during the Anambra State governorship election held on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
The suspects were allegedly caught engaging in vote-buying activities at different polling units across the state while voting was still in progress.
According to a statement released by the anti-graft agency on its official Facebook page, the arrests were part of its efforts to monitor electoral activities and curb financial misconduct during elections.
Those arrested include Emeka Ilokasia, who was apprehended at Ward 2, Njikoka Local Government Area; Nwachukwu Loretta, arrested at Ward 2, Polling Unit 008, Awkuzu, Oyi LGA; and Emuka Chuwudi, arrested at Umunachi village in Dunukofia LGA.
“All the suspects were arrested while participating in the governorship election held on Saturday, November 8, 2025. They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded,” the EFCC said.
The anti-graft agency also shared photos of its operatives monitoring polling stations across different parts of the state, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring free and fair elections.
The EFCC has in recent years played an active role in monitoring elections across Nigeria, especially in tackling vote buying, which has become a major concern during polls. Vote buying involves offering money or material gifts to voters in exchange for their support at the ballot box, an offence under Nigerian electoral law.
The Electoral Act 2022 makes it illegal to buy or sell votes. Offenders risk fines of up to ₦500,000 or imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both, upon conviction.
To address this challenge, the EFCC often deploys its personnel to polling units during elections, working in collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies such as the police and civil defence corps.
In previous elections, including the Edo (2020), Ekiti (2022), and Kogi (2023) governorship polls, the EFCC arrested several individuals for alleged vote buying, recovering cash and evidence from suspects.
The Anambra governorship election, which took place across the state’s 21 local government areas, has been described as peaceful in many areas but closely monitored by security agencies and observers.
The state, known for its politically competitive atmosphere, witnessed strong campaigns by major parties, including the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the Labour Party (LP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Security was tightened across polling stations following earlier warnings from the police and INEC against election malpractice and violence. Thousands of police officers, civil defence operatives, and EFCC personnel were deployed to ensure transparency and protect voters.
Despite reports of vote-buying attempts in some locations, voting proceeded smoothly in most parts of the state. Turnout was moderate, with many polling units recording early arrivals of voters and election materials.
The EFCC said investigations into the arrests are ongoing and promised to prosecute the suspects to serve as a deterrent to others.
The agency urged Nigerians to resist attempts by politicians or their agents to influence their votes with money or gifts, describing vote buying as a threat to democracy and good governance.
“The Commission will continue to monitor elections and ensure that those who attempt to corrupt the process face the full weight of the law,” the EFCC stated.
As the results of the Anambra election are awaited, stakeholders are calling on INEC and security agencies to sustain efforts to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s elections and restore public confidence in the democratic process.
