The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed the arrest of three suspected vote buyers during the 2025 Anambra State governorship election, as part of its ongoing nationwide crackdown on electoral corruption and financial inducement of voters.
According to a statement released by the anti-graft agency via its official Facebook page, the suspects were apprehended at different polling units across three local government areas while voting was still in progress on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
The EFCC identified the suspects as Emeka Ilokasia, who was arrested at Ward 2, Njikoka Local Government Area, Nwachukwu Loretta, apprehended at Ward 2 (Unit 008), Awkuzu in Oyi Local Government Area, and Emuka Chuwudi, caught at Umunachi village in Dunukofia Local Government Area.
The arrests highlight the agency’s renewed commitment to ensuring transparency and integrity in Nigeria’s electoral process, particularly in a state with a history of vote buying and electoral malpractice.
Anambra, often considered one of Nigeria’s politically vibrant states, has repeatedly faced allegations of voter inducement and election manipulation in past polls. During the 2021 governorship election, for instance, multiple arrests were made after reports emerged that political agents distributed cash and food items to sway voters at polling units in Nnewi North, Idemili South, and Ihiala LGAs.
Similarly, the 2017 election witnessed a widespread outcry over open vote buying, with some voters allegedly displaying ballot papers in exchange for money. Civil society groups, including the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) and YIAGA Africa, had at the time condemned the practice, describing it as a “threat to electoral credibility.”
Despite consistent warnings and sensitization by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies, vote buying has remained a persistent issue in Anambra’s political culture, often undermining the voice of the electorate.
The EFCC has become increasingly involved in election monitoring in recent years, particularly to curb financial crimes tied to the electoral process. The agency’s presence during the 2023 general elections led to the arrest of several suspects across Nigeria for alleged vote trading, with marked recoveries of cash and incriminating evidence.
By deploying operatives across strategic flashpoints in Anambra, the commission aims to deter political parties and individuals from corrupting the voting process through financial inducement. Analysts have praised the move as a necessary step toward strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and restoring public confidence in elections.
However, the challenge remains enormous. As elections in Nigeria continue to be fiercely contested, vote buying has evolved from cash-for-votes transactions to more subtle forms, including the distribution of gift items, palliatives, and prepaid cards.
Observers have urged the EFCC, INEC, and civil society groups to sustain collaboration in exposing and prosecuting offenders. They argue that only swift and decisive prosecution of those arrested for vote buying will serve as an effective deterrent ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Meanwhile, the Anambra election continues under heavy security presence, with INEC reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that votes count and the process remains credible.
