In a heartbreaking incident that has drawn public attention to Nigeria's electoral process, 96-year-old Elizabeth Onike was denied the opportunity to vote during Saturday's governorship election in Anambra State.
Elderly Voter Turned Away Despite Early Arrival
The incident occurred at Umudimakasi, Agulu Ward 2, Polling Unit 008 in Aniocha Local Government Area. Mrs. Onike, who had arrived early at the polling station with hopes of participating in the democratic process, was turned away by election officials for not possessing her permanent voter's card (PVC).
Speaking with journalists at the scene, the emotional nonagenarian expressed her disappointment. "I wanted to vote today, but they said I cannot because I don't have my voter's card," she stated. "I came here hoping they would allow me, but they refused."
Public Sympathy and Calls for Reform
Eyewitnesses reported that Mrs. Onike became teary after officials insisted that only accredited voters with PVCs would be permitted to cast their ballots. The situation drew significant sympathy from other residents present at the polling unit.
Many onlookers expressed their helplessness in the situation and appealed to electoral authorities to consider implementing more humane approaches for elderly citizens in future elections. The incident has sparked discussions about potential exceptions for senior citizens who may have difficulty maintaining or replacing their voter cards.
Broader Electoral Context
The emotional scene unfolded against the backdrop of the highly contested Anambra State governorship election. Prior to the polls, Primate Elijah Ayodele, leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church in Lagos, had expressed strong confidence that Governor Charles Soludo would retain power, citing the governor's performance across key sectors including infrastructure, education, and economy.
Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had been actively cracking down on vote-buying incidents throughout the election process, demonstrating the complex challenges facing Nigeria's electoral system.
The case of Mrs. Onike highlights ongoing concerns about voter accessibility and the need for balanced approaches that maintain electoral integrity while ensuring all eligible citizens can participate in the democratic process, regardless of age or circumstances.
