By Ofili Nonso
“If I have the Permanent Voter’s Card, I will vote. There is nothing else to do. I will vote.”
That was Mr. Elumelu making his stance clear on the incoming elections. Still unable to get his PVC, he recounted the year he navigated the whole of Ikeja for it, all to no avail. When asked what he’ll do during the election period, he opined that he’ll vote for his candidate, even if he’s offered money. “If dem give you money: collect. Then vote your candidate. Shey that day, dem go follow you vote?”, he asked.
Mr. Elumelu is one of the millions of traders in Ikeja interested in their roles as citizens in the upcoming elections. First, register, then get your PVC and eventually vote; that is the procedure. As seamless as the process seems, some haven’t gotten it yet. For the others that have, the right candidate is another issue.
Mr. Okoroafor, however was totally nonchalant towards his PVC or the incoming elections. An electronics trader, he cited the crimes committed by herdsmen, and how nothing is done about it. “I’m not a Nigerian; I’m a Biafran “, was his conclusion because to him, his people have been marginalized for so long. To Mr. Okoroafor, the solution for the country is division, every man to his tent.
Of course, there are conspiracy theories surrounding registration and collection of PVCs, the inability of Igbos to collect their PVCs as a major issue. Some said it is an attempt by some scared politicians who knows they would receive no Igbo vote. According to Mr. Okoroafor; “Afterall when Alaba market people went to register PVC, what happened? They denied them access to their rights. Our politicians are scared!”
For Mr. Livinus who deals in male wears and accessories, his vote would not go based on tribe or religion, but for someone who will take the country to the next level. As he has gotten his PVC, he therefore advised Nigerians to make the right choice in choosing their leaders.
On the Biafra issue, Livinus made it clear that he supports their cry.
However, unlike others, he believes there are better and diplomatic ways to do things. Livinus also opined that pressure should be mounted on INEC to practice fairness, else, the aftermath would negatively affect the country.
One thing to note from the traders is their disappointment in the present government. While some blamed the misfortunes of the country on the “people at the top”, others spoke against the Fulani herdsmen and their atrocities, concluding that they’ve “declared war on the rest of the country.”
Some are concerned. Others, unconcerned and nonchalant. 2023 is near, yet the votes of these traders and Nigerians in general count.
Fot me, my choice of candidate is Peter Obi, a good man. Of course, no one is perfect. But he is a lesser evil.
Lol. This whole PVC process has been difficult. Last opportunity is tomorrow. Let’s get it!
Hopefully the elections will be peaceful even though it doesn’t seem like it…I don’t have a preferred candidate at the moment.
I guess I’ll just go with the lesser evil.
We should simply vote with our minds (logically) rather than with our hearts (emotionally)
Please let us all be ‘Obidient’ while still respecting peoples right to cast their votes for someone else.
I feel like people should get rid of the opinion that they’re refusing Igbos the right to get their PVCs. I’m an Igbo citizen and trust me, the whole process has been seamless. I am just awaiting the final step which is the election day when I’ll vote my candidate of choice. So you all should try and get your PVCs as today is the final day you’ll be opportuned to do so against the 2023 elections.