By Paul Joseph
A 97-year-old great-grandfather, Isaac Adeniran Adesanmi, has urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to continue participating in elections, describing voting as a civic responsibility.
Adesanmi was among elderly voters who turned out at NUD Primary School, Collation Centre, Unit 1, Ward 4, Ilase Ijesa, in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, to cast their ballots during Saturday’s governorship election.
The nonagenarian was accompanied to the polling unit by relatives to exercise his franchise.
However, his accreditation was delayed after the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) reportedly failed to capture his face and fingerprints.
Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) appealed to him to remain patient, assuring him that another attempt would be made.
Speaking about his voting experience, Adesanmi, whose name appeared as number 116 on the voters’ register, said he had been participating in elections since the era of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
“I am 97 years old and I started voting during the time of Awolowo. I always vote anytime election comes up. I have been voting in Kaduna before I came back home,” he said.
He urged young Nigerians to actively participate in elections, warning that staying away from the process could prevent them from having the leaders they desire.
“I will advise youths to vote because if they do not, the kind of leaders they want will not be there,” he said.
Adesanmi also urged Nigerians to continue exercising their right to vote and support candidates of their choice.
“My message for Nigerians is to continue to vote at all cost and vote for the people they like,” he added.
On his expectation from whoever emerges winner of the Osun governorship election, the 97-year-old voter said the new administration should fulfil its campaign promises.
“I want them to do as they promise,” he said.
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