The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reported the arrest of 20 suspects during the recent Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council elections, held on February 2026. The arrests were made for various electoral offences, notably vote buying, which has been a significant concern in Nigeria's electoral processes. This election involved six councils, namely Abaji, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kwali, Kuje, and the Abuja Municipal Area Council, and the EFCC's actions highlight their ongoing efforts to curb electoral malpractices.

Among the arrested individuals, there were accusations of vote buying and selling, as well as obstruction of EFCC officers. The total amount implicated in these electoral offences was reported to exceed N17 million, underscoring the financial scale of corruption that plagues Nigerian elections. The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed these details in a public statement following the elections, indicating a proactive stance by the commission to address and penalize electoral crimes.

The implications of these arrests are significant as they reflect the EFCC's commitment to ensuring that elections in Nigeria are conducted fairly and free from corruption. The FCT elections serve as a microcosm of the broader electoral system in Nigeria, where challenges like vote buying and other illegal activities are rampant. By detaining those involved, the EFCC aims to restore public confidence in the electoral process and promote transparency in future elections.