Anambra Poll: 96-yr-old Woman Cries Out After Being Barred From Voting

A 96-year-old woman, Mrs. Elizabeth Onike, was left in tears on Saturday after she was denied the chance to vote during the ongoing 2025 Anambra State governorship election on Saturday.

The incident, which occurred at Umudimakasi, Agulu Ward 2, Polling Unit 008 in Aniocha Local Government Area of the State, once again highlighted the difficulties elderly citizens face in exercising their franchise due to documentation challenges.

Mrs. Onike, visibly emotional as she spoke with journalists, recounted how she had eagerly anticipated participating in the election but was prevented from doing so because she did not have her Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC).

However, she did not state whether she had collected her PVC or not

“I wanted to vote today, but they said I cannot because I don’t have my voter’s card,” she lamented. “I came here hoping they would allow me, but they refused.”

Eyewitnesses said the nonagenarian, who claimed to have voted in previous elections, arrived early at the polling unit determined to perform her civic duty. However, officials insisted that only accredited voters with valid PVCs could be allowed to cast their ballots.

“I am 96 years old, and I still want to vote for the good of our people,” Mrs. Onike said tearfully.

Her ordeal drew sympathy from fellow voters and observers who called for more inclusive measures to accommodate elderly citizens.