Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arrested 20 suspects for various electoral offences during the Federal Capital Territory area council elections on February 21, 2026. The arrests occurred across multiple locations in the FCT. Additionally the commission recovered cash intended for vote buying.
Arrests Across Multiple Areas
The EFCC apprehended the suspects in Abaji, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali. Two arrests happened in Abaji, nine in Gwagwalada, four in Kuje, and four in Kwali. The offences included vote buying, vote selling, and obstruction of officers. One suspect faced arrest with N13.5 million in a car parked near a polling booth in Kwali.
Significant Cash Recoveries
The commission recovered N17,218,700 from the suspects. This amount exceeded N20 million when including additional findings, according to reports.
The EFCC stated, “The suspects were arrested across the FCT, for offences ranging from vote buying, vote selling to obstruction of officers to the tune of N17,218,700.” Observers noted inducements ranging from N1,000 to N5,000 per voter in areas like Gwagwalada and Kuje.
Election Background
The Independent National Electoral Commission conducted the polls across six area councils: Abaji, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, and Abuja Municipal Area Council. Voters elected chairpersons and councilors.
The All Progressives Congress won five chairmanships, while the Peoples Democratic Party secured one. Meanwhile the EFCC had deployed operatives beforehand to monitor and prevent fraud.
Future Actions
The EFCC announced that the suspects would face charges in court after investigations concluded. Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, had earlier emphasized the deployment to curb malpractice. This operation highlighted ongoing efforts to ensure electoral integrity in Nigeria.
EFCC Arrests 20 for Suspected Electoral Fraud in FCT Council Polls
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Saturday, February 21, 2026 arrested 20 suspects for sundry electoral offences in the just- concluded Federal Capital Territory, FCT,… pic.twitter.com/iPSzsQg9Lu— EFCC Nigeria (@officialEFCC) February 22, 2026
