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Some octogenarians in Ile-Ife, Osun State, defied their advanced age on Saturday to participate in the governorship election, saying their votes could help shape the state’s future.
The elderly voters, who spoke separately with newsmen after casting their ballots at different polling units, said they were motivated by the desire for good governance and improved living conditions.
Mrs Moria Aremu, who voted at L.A. Primary School, Ilode 1, Ward 007, Ife East Local Government Area, described participation in the election as a civic responsibility.
“I have to perform my civic responsibility by casting my vote for a candidate of my choice, and my expectation is that my vote will count at the end of the election,” Aremu said.
Another voter, 87-year-old Pa Ibrahim Salam, said he would continue to participate in elections for as long as his health allowed, describing his vote as a contribution to the development of Nigeria.
“As a good citizen of Nigeria, I must vote and contribute my quota towards the growth and development of our country, Nigeria,” Salam said.
Salam also urged Nigerians to participate in elections rather than remain at home and criticise governments after results are announced.
He said voting provided citizens with an opportunity to influence the leadership and direction of their communities, urging eligible voters to exercise their franchise whenever elections were held.
The participation of the elderly voters added a notable human dimension to Saturday’s election in Osun, as residents across the state turned out to determine who would lead the state for the next term.
