(DDM) – Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested three individuals suspected of engaging in vote buying during the ongoing Anambra State governorship election.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the arrests took place in different parts of the state as the election progressed on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
The suspects include Emeka Ilokasia, arrested at Ward 2, Njikoka Local Government; Nwachukwu Loretta, apprehended at Ward 2 (PU 008), Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government; and Emuka Chuwudi, detained at Umunachi village, Dukkanukofia Local Government.
All three individuals were allegedly caught in the act of attempting to influence voters with inducements, according to EFCC sources.
The commission stated that the suspects would be charged to court once investigations are concluded.
This development comes amid widespread concerns over the integrity of the electoral process, particularly in areas historically affected by vote buying and other electoral malpractices.
SaharaReporters previously reported that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed that over 95 percent of results from the governorship election had already been uploaded to its Result Viewing Portal (IReV), signaling progress in electronic result transmission.
Data from IReV shows that most polling units across Anambra State have successfully uploaded their results, representing a significant improvement in the use of technology compared to previous elections.
Out of the 5,720 polling units listed on the portal, results from 5,472 units had been uploaded at the time of reporting, according to INEC.
INEC further assured that all uploaded results remain secure and verifiable, reaffirming its commitment to a transparent and credible electoral process.
Despite these improvements, election monitors under the Anambra Election Observation Hub reported challenges, including missing result sheets, underage voting, and continued incidents of vote buying.
The coalition of monitoring groups includes Yiaga Africa, The Kukah Centre, International Press Centre (IPC), Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), Nigeria Women Trust Fund (NWTF), ElectHER, and TAF Africa, which collectively deployed 711 citizen observers across all 21 local government areas.
In a midday situational statement issued at the Radisson-Onyx Hotel in Awka, the coalition described the election as generally peaceful and secure, with INEC officials and security personnel showing professionalism and a good understanding of electoral procedures.
However, the observers noted that vote buying remains a persistent challenge in Nigerian elections, with political operatives constantly devising new methods to manipulate voters.
Analysts say that while technological improvements like IReV have strengthened transparency, incidents such as these arrests highlight the ongoing need for strict enforcement of electoral laws and accountability for those attempting to subvert the process.
EFCC’s swift action in apprehending the three suspects is expected to serve as a deterrent to others seeking to influence the outcome of the election unlawfully.
The arrests also underscore the importance of civil society oversight, effective monitoring, and the active role of citizens in safeguarding electoral integrity in Anambra State.
As the collation of results continues across the state, all eyes remain on INEC to ensure that the remaining polling units upload their results without delay and that electoral offences are addressed promptly.
