EFCC Investigates Voters Who Chased Operatives During Ekiti Governorship Election
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is actively tracking voters who chased away its operatives during the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election. The incident occurred at Polling Unit 10, Ward B, where voters confronted EFCC officials, briefly disrupting voting. However, the electoral process resumed peacefully afterward, with voters maintaining participation despite the earlier tensions.
EFCC Condemns Incident as Unlawful and Dangerous Precedent
Some EFCC officers described the action as unlawful and a dangerous precedent that must not be allowed to stand. According to a report by The Punch, an EFCC official stated that the anti-graft agency views the development as an attack on its lawful mandate. The official warned that those involved could face legal consequences.
“We consider the action unacceptable and unlawful. The commission will not condone criminality. We are on the lookout for those involved,” the EFCC officer said.
Concerns Over Implications for Future Elections
The EFCC officer added that the agency is concerned about the implications of the incident for future elections if left unchecked. “The action of those voters has set a dangerous precedent. If such conduct is allowed to continue, it could embolden others to obstruct law enforcement officers carrying out legitimate assignments during elections. If that is the case, we will seriously look into it and the actors in that scenario. We will ensure that we locate them and see what we can do. People cannot simply decide to frustrate officials of the commission who are carrying out their statutory responsibilities,” the source said.
The EFCC emphasized that it would not be intimidated in its efforts to curb vote-buying and other electoral offences.
EFCC Monitored Polling Units to Enhance Transparency
During the Ekiti election, EFCC operatives monitored polling units to enhance election transparency. Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is seeking re-election amidst 13 other candidates. Calm voter turnout was observed as authorities maintained electoral order.
Former Governor Okowa Visits EFCC Office Amid Investigation
In a related development, former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa visited the EFCC office in Lagos State amid an ongoing investigation into fund diversion allegations. Okowa reportedly sought the release of his international passport for medical treatment. The EFCC has not disclosed the outcome of his request for travel documents.
