Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Chairman Abdul Rashid Bawa sounded an alarm on Wednesday about politicians’ plans to use stockpiled old notes to buy votes in kind and cash ahead of Saturday’s general election. He said this on Channels Television’s The 2023 Verdict interview.
The EFCC Chair confirms that all officers have been deployed to monitor elections in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, urging citizens to report evidence of vote buying and other financial abuse.
He emphasizes they are prepared for any situation and will not hesitate to arrest anyone caught in the act.
Bawa added that officials, corrupt businessmen and some governors were allegedly stockpiling old and new Naira notes with the intention of buying votes during the presidential election scheduled for Saturday.
He said the agency is aware of the tactics used by vote buyers and those involved are ready to handle any situation that arises.
“I’m not saying that only governors are hoarding naira notes, or that there are government officials doing the same, or that businessmen of questionable character still have these funds at home. So I don’t want to say that the governor is, but I would say that civil servants, retirees or servants, and businessmen of questionable character are on our radar. The thing is that Nigerians don’t believe what we are doing, but I believe that if we come together, we can end the inadequacies in our system” he explained.
