Anambra Election: I Was Denied Voting Rights, 96-year-old Grandma Cries Out
A 96-year-old woman, Mrs Elizabeth Onike, has expressed deep frustration after being prevented from voting at her polling unit during Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra.
Speaking with journalists at Umudimakasi, Agulu Ward 2, Polling Unit 008 in Aniocha Local Government Area, the visibly emotional nonagenarian said she had looked forward to exercising her civic right but was turned back by electoral officials for not possessing a Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC).
“I wanted to vote today, but they said I cannot because I don’t have my voter’s card. I came here hoping they would allow me, but they refused,” she lamented.
Eyewitnesses said Mrs. Onike, who claimed to have voted in previous elections, broke down in tears after officials insisted that only accredited voters with valid PVCs would be allowed to cast their ballots. Despite her age, she had arrived early at the polling unit, determined to contribute to the democratic process.
“I am 96 years old, and I still want to vote for the good of our people,” she said.
However, officials maintained that the Electoral Act mandates proper identification and accreditation before voting.
As Anambra residents trouped out to decide the future leadership of the state, Mrs. Onike’s experience underscored the challenges faced by senior citizens who remain enthusiastic about civic participation but are hindered by documentation barriers.
Her ordeal drew sympathy from voters and observers at the scene, many of whom appealed to officials to show compassion toward elderly citizens eager to participate in elections.
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