Your Vote Counts: How To Ensure Your Safety While Voting In Nigeria’s Presidential Election.???

Finally, the much-anticipated election is here.

Tomorrow, 25th of February 2023 is the perfect time for Nigerians to come out and decide the future of Nigeria.

I have come across a lot of posts on social media.

People are openly declaring their fear of insecurity during this election.

Some are discouraged about the hectic voting process.

My elder brother, Nonso had similar experience in the last election.

The day of the election was supposed to be an exciting day for him.

He had spent weeks researching the candidates.

He figured out where his polling unit was and made sure he had all the necessary identification to cast his vote.

But our village people didn’t let him be! ??

As he stood in line at the polling unit, that excitement quickly turned into frustration.

The queue was long and snaked around the block.

Nonso didn’t mind waiting, though – He knew how important it was to exercise his civil right.

As he got closer to the front of the line, he began to realize that something was wrong.

The INEC officials seemed frazzled and disorganized.

They were turning away some people who had come to vote, saying that they weren’t registered in the correct precinct.

When my brother finally made it to the front of the line, he was told the same thing. ????

He was shocked – He had double-checked his registration online just a few days ago and had confirmed that he was registered in the correct precinct.

But the INEC representative insisted that he wasn’t and redirected him to a different polling unit across town.

Nonso became frustrated and angry, but he didn't want to give up.

We know being a Nigerian is a tough task and one should be ready for anything – So, I think he got that reminder again! ????

He got into the car and drove across town to the other polling station.?

When he arrived, he was told that they had run out of ballots for his precinct, and that he would have to come back later.

At this point, he was beyond frustrated - he sacrificed a lot to vote, and now he was being turned away again.

Nonso eventually did manage to cast his vote later that day, but it was a harrowing experience for him.

His experience made me realize just how difficult it can be for some people to exercise their right to vote.

But I am certain that our election system can be streamlined and made more accessible to all voters, regardless of their background or location.

However, that shouldn’t be a discouraging factor not to cast your vote.

If you do not vote, there is a high likelihood that we will get a boss as our president rather than a leader.

I will be sharing a few tips on how to ensure your safety even as you vote.

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?? 1. Do not argue about politics.

I believe the time for arguing about politics have passed and this is the right time for actions.???

Voting speaks louder than our voices. ???

It is therefore advisable to avoid public heated arguments on politics.

You should cast your votes and go home immediately or step aside and observe the process.

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?? 2. Avoid wearing any political branded cloth or cap to the polling unit.

As previously stated, now is not the right time to campaign; instead, it is the time to cast your ballot.

Prevention they say is better than cure.

So, I advised to stop putting on any form of clothing that associates you to any political party especially to the polling unit.

?? 3. Avoid taking expensive gadgets or clothing to the polling unit.

It’s best to leave your expensive gadgets, clothings and Jewelries at home to avoid unnecessary attention on you.

Come to the polling unit comfortable in case of any unforeseen emergency.

?? 4. Avoid keeping late nights this period.

It’s wise to avoid late nights this period because a lot of criminals will be on the lookout for innocent lives to waste.

Recently, on the news, the rate of murder has doubled.

I read that the Government is planning on placing curfew from 12:00am on Friday to 6:00pm on Saturday to avoid wandering about especially around polling units.

?? 5. Do not partake in election violence or malpractice.

Safeguard your life, properties and families by not partaking in election violence or malpractice because in the process, any tragic thing may happen.

Remember, your vote is your voice, and it is essential to ensure that every vote counts and that the election outcomes reflect the will of the people.

Let us all work together to promote peaceful, transparent, and credible elections in our respective communities and nations.

?? 6. Listen to the news.

This is very important, avoid wasting your data randomly scrolling on social media.

Get connected to legitimate news outlets and discard fake news.

If you are already connected to a news outlet, then you would have idea about where your polling unit is located.

But if you don’t simply text the 9-digit code of your PVC to 8014, and your polling unit (Booth) address will be sent to you.

Alternately, you can also check it on INEC official website HERE.

Conclusion:

Don’t be discouraged to fight for your freedom and rights.

You have the civil right to vote in an election as entrenched in the constitution.

Come out in mass to vote a leader who has the needs of the people at heart.

A leader with credible history and one with wisdom to lead the people right.

Don’t sell your conscience, don’t be intimidated.

Remember, the state of Nigeria determines your future on a much larger scale.

Don’t be tribalistic, it’s a general solution we’re trying to get.

Let’s work together and decide how great Nigeria will become.

Grab your Permanent Voters Card and vote wisely;

As for me, voting wisely is voting for Mr. Peter Obi who belongs to Labour Party (LP)! ???

There’s hope for us, with Mr. Peter Obi as our leader.

In these trying economic times in Nigeria, I, Peter Ebuka Agbo , wish all of my connections the best as you vote tomorrow.

Stay safe guys! ????

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Cheers to a fantastic weekend!??

Regards.