96-year-old woman weeps after being denied voting in Anambra election

A 96-year-old woman, Mrs. Elizabeth Onike, on Saturday broke down in tears after being prevented from voting at Polling Unit 019, Umudim Akasi, Agulu Ward 8, in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Onike, who said she had consistently voted at the same polling unit in previous elections, was informed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that she could not participate in the ongoing governorship election because she did not present a valid voter card.

Visibly distraught, she expressed concern that her voice would not count in choosing the next governor of the state.

“I have been voting here for years. I voted in the last election, but today they said I do not have a valid voter card. My children are not around to help me. I am hurt that I cannot vote to decide who will lead us,” she said in Igbo.

The polling unit recorded a large turnout, with 830 registered voters expected to cast their ballots.