EFCC nabs Three for vote-buying during Anambra Guber Poll

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have apprehended three individuals for alleged vote-buying in different parts of Anambra State during Saturday’s governorship election.

The suspects, Emeka Ilokasia, arrested at Ward 2, Njikoka Local Government Area; Nwachukwu Loretta, detained at Ward 2 (008), Awkuzu in Oyi LGA; and Emuka Chuwudi, caught at Umunachi Village, Dunukofia LGA, were taken into custody while allegedly attempting to influence voters.

According to an EFCC statement, the arrests were made during the November 8 election.

“They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded,” the Commission said.

The election, which began around 8 a.m., was largely peaceful across the 21 local government areas of the state.

However, despite the calm atmosphere, reports of vote-buying and low voter turnout surfaced in several polling units.

Situation Room observer Dimma Nwobi confirmed incidents of voter inducement, prompting EFCC operatives to intensify surveillance.

Although minor BVAS malfunctions were recorded, voting continued smoothly in most areas.

Meanwhile, Governor Charles Soludo alleged that some political actors were plotting to manipulate results and called on security agencies to remain vigilant.

Former Anambra Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who voted at Polling Unit 019 in Agulu, urged Nigerians not to sell their votes, warning that it amounted to selling their future.

In contrast, opposition figures expressed dissatisfaction over alleged irregularities. ADC’s John Nwosu accused the ruling APGA of vote-buying, while APC’s Nicholas Ukachukwu claimed his party agents faced intimidation at some polling units.

Security presence was heavy across major parts of the state, particularly in Onitsha, where the Niger Bridge was sealed off to ensure safe movement of electoral materials and personnel.

Voting concluded peacefully, and sorting began by 2 p.m. in several units, including Amawbia, Awka South. By evening, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had uploaded 98.99% of polling unit results to its Result Viewing Portal (IReV).

As of 9:12 p.m., results from 5,662 out of 5,720 polling units had been uploaded. INEC data indicated that 2,802,790 voters were registered across 5,718 polling units.

Sixteen candidates contested the election, including Governor Soludo (APGA), Nicholas Ukachukwu (APC), Paul Chukwuma (YPP), John Nwosu (ADC), and George Moghalu (LP).

Female candidates also featured prominently, such as Ndidi Olieh (NRM), alongside six female deputy governorship aspirants, including Veronica Okaro (LP) and Faith Obi (ZLP).

No major incidents of violence were reported, though observers reiterated that vote-buying and voter inducement remain pressing challenges in Nigeria’s electoral process.

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