A 52-year-old man with a disability and two pregnant women were among the early voters who came out to exercise their civic responsibility at Eti-Osa constituency, Lagos State on Saturday.
They spoke in separate interviews with The NewsZenith on the sideline of general elections that witnessed a large voter turnout.
One of the women, Mrs Nana-Hawawu Momoh, said that she didn’t let pregnancy deter her from casting her vote.
Momoh described herself as a nation builder and change agent.
“I’m tired of certain situations. So, my one vote is very important to make the change and I believe it would count.
“That is why I have decided to come out to vote.
“In the midst of all challenges, I still managed to collect my Permanent Voters Card (PVC) in this (pregnancy) condition.
“My house is farther, so I came to sleep overnight to ensure that I participate in this exercise,” Momoh said.
Another pregnant woman, Mrs Chizaram Mba, said she did not want to be an ‘arm’s chair’ activist.
“I don’t just want to be posting stuff on social media and not put it into practice,” she said.
Mba said that she would rather be patriotic and let her vote count.
“I have a PVC and one vote; why waste it and sit at home and not do anything because I am pregnant?
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“This is a decisive moment for the country and I believe that I can contribute to whatever decision is taken in terms of who will become our president.
“My vote may just be one, but it will count for something.
For me, it is a sign of patriotism and I do not want my pregnancy to stop me.
“I wish the best for Nigeria and I want to show positive steps; that is why I came out to vote.”
Mr Ebubedike Agbasi, who has a walking disability, described the voting exercise as a civil obligation for every citizen.
Agbasi commended the voting process, saying it was transparent.
He urged other voters to take responsibility for whoever they vote for as the next Nigeria leader.
“I want to commend the Independent National Electoral Commission for helping us conduct a free and fair election,” he said.
The NewsZenith reports that accreditation and voting began on schedule in many polling units across Nigeria.
The exercise, however, delays in others due to late arrival of electoral officials.
No fewer than 87.2 million voters with Permanent Voter Cards go to the polls to elect a new President and National Assembly members.
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