Violence, failed promise, vote buying: 20 first-time voters share what worries them most about 2023 election
First-time voters who are mostly Gen Zs are speaking and there is a need to listen.
On February 25, 2023, millions of Nigerians will go to the polls to cast their votes in a historic presidential election. It is historic because President Muhammadu Buhari will not be running for office again as he would have completed two terms in office, so the country will be electing a new president. Three major presidential candidates are also on the ballot, unlike the last two presidential elections which were a two-horse race.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), 48 million out of 93.5 million registered voters are between the ages of 18 and 34.
But what are young people saying ahead of the election? Media concentration has focused on politicians and campaigns.
Neusroom spoke with Gen Zs who are first-time voters in the Northcentral and Southwest geopolitical zones, and they shared their concerns about the election. Here is what they said.
The responses have been slightly edited for grammatical errors to fit Neusroom’s style.
Olufunke Bello, 22, Student:
My only concern about this election is the bloodshed. I am a political science student and from what I have studied, we have not had an election where people did not die since 1999. I hope we can break the curse this time around
Ajayi Alfred, 20, Student:
Apathy. I feel many young people are more passionate online than they truly care about politics. I am one of them. I am noisy on social media but I have no intention of voting. I hope others are not like me though
Stephen Omotayo, 25 Student
My fear is that there might be voter suppression. Politicians know their base and they can disrupt elections in places where they know they won’t win.
Adam Abdullahi, 20, student
I am concerned about the way this election is making Yorubas attack Igbos and Igbos attack Hausas. I hope we will not have a tribal fight after the election.
Omolabake Sanni, 24, student
I am worried that the result of the election will not reflect the wishes of we, Nigerians. If that happens, the number of people that will vote in the next election will reduce.
Winifred Adekunle, 23, student
If the election is rigged, many of us will Japa. Many people are waiting to see the outcome of the election first before deciding whether to leave or not. The eave of exit will be serious if the election is rigged.
Ore Olajide, 20, student
My own concern is election violence. People are ready to defend this year’s election with their lives. My fear is that people should not try to rig it because it will be bloody.
Anuoluwapo Olajide, 25, student
I am concerned about the violence. I pray we don;t experience it this election so that people can go to the polling booth safely, vote in peace and return home in one piece
Mercy Adewale, 24, student
I am concerned about INEC postponing the election. If that happens, the turnout will be very low. People are prepared to travel to go and vote and if that day is missed, that’s the end.
David Nguevese, 23, Student
I am worried about security. Benue state is not as safe as before. The ruling party is APC. Our governor is PDP but he is not supporting Atiku but Peter Obi so I am afraid the three parties will clash during the election
Solomon Tyoember, 21, Student
I am concerned about the credibility of the election. Everyone is confident that BVAS will make the election credible but I am not convinced yet until after the election
Andrew Nguuma, 25, Student
My worry is that everyone expects Peter Obi to come and change everything but what if he wins and he is unable to do everything he promised? I will be so disappointed. I did not vote in the last election because I was not convinced about the main candidates. What if I am wrong in m feelings about Obi and he wins and becomes more terrible than Buhari? I will never vote again if that happens.
Doom Francis, 22, Student
Electoral malpractice. I am worried that the election might not be free and fair. This is my first election and I want it to count. If it does not count, bye-bye to election from me forever
Rebecca Iyuah, 22, student
I am worried about election violence. I have read a lot about election violence in Nigeria as a political science student. My parents don’t want me to go out and vote during the election. I am still undecided. If I look at how things are going and the report on election day, it will let me decide whether to step out that day or not.
John Iyuah, 20, Student
Tinubu. I am worried that Tinubu will win the election in Benue state because Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia (the APC governorship candidate). People are talking about Peter Obi and labour party in the news not knowing that on ground, the Reverend Father is gaining ground. Since it is the party logo people will see on the ballot paper, I am worried APC will win here (Benue)
Janet Terungwa, 24, Student
I am worried that the biggest spender will win. People are hungry in Benue not because we are lazy but because of all these insecurities. My worry is that people will easily sell their vote because the one they did not sell the last time, nothing good came out of it.
Francis Emmanuel, 20, Student
INEC. I pray INEC gives us a good election. People say the 1993 election is the best in Nigeria. I hope this year’s own will better it. That is the only thing I am worried about. I pray INEC is not compromised
James Ayo, 23, Student
My concern is that many of my agemates who are shouting on social media don’t have voter’s cards. I have my card and I am ready to vote. I cannot say the same about my friends who are the loudest on social media but have no voter’s cards.
Solomon Aondo, 24, student
I am worried about vote-buying. You cannot convince hungry people not to sell their votes.
