- A 96 year old woman was denied the chance to vote because she lacked a voter’s card (PVC).
- She said she had voted in past elections and believed she would be allowed again.
- Voters pleaded with officials to show compassion, but rules for the Anambra governorship election were enforced strictly.
- Her experience shows how elderly citizens still want to participate but are blocked by documentation requirements.
Mrs. Elizabeth Onike, a 96 year old woman, left her home on Saturday determined to cast her ballot in the ongoing Anambra governorship election. She arrived at Polling Unit 008, Umudimakasi, Agulu Ward 2 in Aniocha Local Government Area, leaning on support from younger relatives but bubbling with excitement at the chance to vote. However, that hope faded quickly.
According to observers, Mrs. Onike approached the accreditation desk confidently, only to be told that she would not be allowed to vote without a Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC). Confused at first, she tried explaining that she had participated in previous elections. But the officials maintained their stance, no valid PVC, no voting.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
READ ALSO: Oyebanji Swears In 10 New Permanent Secretaries, Insists on Merit-Based Appointments
“I came to exercise my right. I have always voted. I didn’t know they would send me back,” she said, visibly shaken.
Witnesses described how the situation turned emotional when the elderly woman broke down in frustration. Some voters appealed to the officials, pleading that exceptions be made due to her age and dedication, but the officials insisted that the rules must apply equally to everyone.
One observer said, “It was painful to watch. She was eager and proud to still play her part as a citizen.”
READ ALSO:
Despite the setback, Mrs. Onike emphasized that her passion for voting had not changed.
“I may be old, but I still want to choose who leads us,” she said quietly before leaving the polling unit.
Her experience highlights a major challenge elderly voters face, strict documentation barriers that can silence their participation, even when their desire to vote remains strong.
