Emotions ran high at Umudim Akasi Polling Unit 019 in Agulu II, Ward 8, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State on Saturday, as a 96-year-old woman, Mrs Elizabeth Onike, burst into tears after she was denied the opportunity to vote.
The incident occurred around 10:29 a.m. during the ongoing governorship election.
According to witnesses who spoke with Punch, Mrs Onike was informed by the presiding officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that she could not cast her ballot because she did not possess a valid voter’s card.
Speaking in Igbo, the elderly woman expressed deep frustration.
She said, “I have been voting at this polling unit. I voted in the last election, but the INEC officials said I have no valid voters’ card.”
She added that her children were not around to assist her, saying, “My children are outside, and none is at home with me. I am pained that I am not going to vote in this election to determine who will be my next governor.”
Despite her emotional protest, INEC officials maintained that accreditation could only be done with valid documentation.
The polling unit, which has 830 registered voters, recorded a significant turnout as residents arrived early to participate in the election.
The atmosphere, however, grew tense as other voters sympathised with Mrs Onike, expressing concern over the plight of elderly voters navigating electoral procedures.
Today’s governorship election pits 16 political parties against the incumbent governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
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