EFCC operatives have arrived at the venue of today’s national convention and presidential primaries of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party.

The officers were sighted at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium venue of the event in their fatigues on Saturday evening. 

There was no official disclosure about their mission at the venue, but a source at the commission told Peoples Gazette under anonymity that the officers were deployed to ensure “strict compliance with electoral law,” which includes financial corruption.

The official also said the EFCC has been following aspirants’ “shameless and scandalous” distribution of cash to delegates across the country. 

“You know that those who will emerge through these ongoing processes are going to lead our country for another four years,” the official said. “So we have a role to play to ensure that the sanctity of the electoral system is protected.” 

Earlier this week, former PDP operative Doyin Okupe said aspirants were bracing for unprecedented distribution to sway delegates. 

“The big spenders are prepared to go as far as $10,000 per delegate,” Mr Okupe said as he lamented Peter Obi’s inability to match other deep-pocketed aspirants. Mr Obi left the party on Wednesday. 

Politicians don’t own up to inducing delegates with cash and it is rare for them to be caught in the act in Nigeria. Cash distribution activities usually take place covertly in hotels or other fortified locations as early as a week before the primaries, and, in the case of presidential contest, two nights before the convention, according to political operatives familiar with the practice. 

The PDP is expected to produce its presidential candidate tonight in a race that has driven a political wedge between Bukola Saraki, Bala Mohammed, Atiku Abubakar, Dele Momodu, Nyesom Wike, and Aminu Tambuwal, among others.

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