The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has begun tracking individuals who allegedly chased its operatives away from a polling unit during the recent Ekiti State governorship election, warning that those involved could face legal consequences.
According to officials of the anti-graft agency, the incident occurred at a polling unit in Iyin-Ekiti where EFCC personnel had been deployed to monitor and prevent vote-buying during the election. The operatives were reportedly confronted by voters who questioned their presence and demanded that they leave the area.
EFCC sources described the action as unlawful and said the commission views the incident as a serious challenge to its statutory responsibility of combating electoral corruption. Officials expressed concern that allowing such actions to go unpunished could create a dangerous precedent for future elections.
The commission maintained that its involvement in election monitoring is aimed at curbing vote-buying and other financial inducements that undermine the credibility of the democratic process. It stressed that it would not be intimidated or deterred from carrying out its duties despite resistance from some voters.
Videos from the polling unit circulated on social media showed angry youths confronting the operatives and chanting for them to leave. Security personnel were reportedly seen intervening to calm tensions and escort the EFCC officials away from the area to prevent the situation from escalating.
The development has sparked debate over the role of anti-corruption agencies during elections, particularly in efforts to curb vote-buying, which remains a major concern in Nigeria’s electoral system. Meanwhile, the EFCC has reiterated its commitment to enforcing electoral laws and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice.
