Isaac Adesanmi, a 97-year-old Nigerian, has reaffirmed his commitment to voting in elections, citing his dedication to ensuring good governance in the country. He cast his ballot during Saturday's governorship election in Osun State, despite facing technical challenges with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
Voting Despite Challenges
Mr Adesanmi was among elderly voters at NUD Primary School, Collation Centre, Unit 1, Ward 4, Ilase-Ijesa, in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State. He was assisted to the polling unit by a relative and expressed happiness at participating in the exercise.
He experienced a slight delay when the BVAS initially failed to capture his face and fingerprints. However, after repeated attempts, the machine successfully captured his fingerprints, allowing him to vote. Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) urged him to be patient, assuring him they would make another attempt.
A Lifetime of Civic Duty
Mr Adesanmi, whose name was number 116 on the voters' register, said he has been voting since the era of the late Obafemi Awolowo, the then-premier of the defunct Western Region of Nigeria. He told the News Agency of Nigeria that it is the civic duty of any right-thinking person to cast a ballot during an election.
“I am 97 years old and I started voting during the time of Awolowo. I always vote whenever an election comes up. I have been voting in Kaduna before I returned home,” he said.
He emphasized that whether one votes or not, when a contender emerges as winner, he will govern over you. This underscores the importance of participating in the electoral process.
Message to Nigerians
Mr Adesanmi urged youths and other Nigerians to vote wisely for a better future. He said, “My message to Nigerians is to continue to vote at all election and for the right people because that is key to good governance.”
When asked what advice he had for whoever emerged as the winner of the election, the nonagenarian urged the winner to fulfil the promises made during the electioneering campaigns. His call highlights the need for accountability and delivery on electoral pledges.
