96-Year-Old Woman in Tears After Being Denied Voting Over Missing Voter’s Card

A 96-year-old woman, Mrs. Elizabeth Onike, was left heartbroken on Saturday after officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) prevented her from voting at her polling unit in the ongoing Anambra governorship election.

The incident occurred at Polling Unit 019, Umudim Akasi, Agulu II, Ward 8, in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, around 10:29 a.m.

Mrs. Onike, who had participated in previous elections at the same polling unit, burst into tears when the presiding officer informed her that she could not vote due to the absence of a valid voter’s card.

The polling unit, which has 830 registered voters, recorded a large turnout as residents trooped out to cast their ballots.

Speaking emotionally in Igbo, the elderly woman lamented her inability to exercise her civic right, saying she had been a consistent voter for years. “I have always voted here,” she said. “I voted in the last election, but today the INEC officials told me I have no valid voter’s card. My children are not around, and no one is at home with me. I am deeply hurt that I cannot vote for the person who will be my next governor.” The incident drew sympathy from other voters and observers at the polling unit, many of whom tried to console her.

Meanwhile, the governorship election in Anambra State has seen 16 candidates vying for the top seat, including the incumbent governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Voting continued peacefully across most polling units, with reports of impressive voter turnout in several areas despite minor logistical challenges.