Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested several individuals suspected of vote buying during the ongoing Edo Governorship election.

Some of the arrests occurred around 10:00 a.m. in the Egor Local Government Area.

Three suspects—two men and one woman—were taken into custody, despite protests from local residents who claimed they were being unfairly targeted.

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In anticipation of the election, the EFCC had on Friday, announced plans to deploy operatives to monitor the electoral process, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining electoral integrity.

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale had said, “Our operatives are on the ground to ensure that voters can exercise their rights without facing financial inducement. Vote buying is a financial crime, and the EFCC will not tolerate it.”

Also, Yiaga Africa, a civil society organization (CSO), had warned that politicians might resort to violence and vote buying during the upcoming Edo election.

Egor is one of eight local government areas (LGAs) identified as hotspots for these issues, along with Ovia South-West, Ovia North-East, Oredo, Ikpoba Okha, Etsako West, Etsako East, and Esan South-East.

The organization stressed the urgent need to address vote buying through decisive actions, including the arrest and prosecution of those involved.

Yiaga noted a “volatile political climate” leading up to the election, pointing out that strong-arm tactics and violence have marred the campaign period.

Seventeen candidates are competing for over 2.2 million votes across the 18 LGAs in Edo.

Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, faced a delay at Polling Unit 3 in Okaegben Ward One, Ewohimi Local Government Area of Edo State, as officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were not present on Saturday morning.

The absence was due to heavy rainfall in the area.

Voters began to gather around 9:26 AM, waiting for INEC officials and voting materials.

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However, at 10:30 AM, officials had started to arrive, and the PDP candidate followed shortly after.

Monday Okpebholo, the governorship candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC), cast his vote today at polling unit 1, Ward 2, at Udomi Primary School in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State.

After voting, Okpebholo commended the electoral officials for their effective coordination and efficiency, noting that the process in his ward was particularly well managed.

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To ensure a peaceful election, security personnel were deployed at the polling center.

Reports indicate that electoral officers and materials arrived on time, facilitating a prompt start to the voting process.

Today’s gubernatorial election in Edo State is significant, with over 2.2 million permanent voter cards collected by eligible voters.