Nigerians on Saturday displayed sheer patriotism and courage as they defied several obstacles to choose their next president and representatives at the National Assembly.
In more than 60 per cent of polling units across the country, election officials and materials came late, but citizens remained resolutely patient and ensured that they contributed to the history of electing the president of their choice.
Accreditation and voting in some polling units commenced after the official closing time of 2:30pm and continued late into the night without adequate provision of power. Phone torchlights and car headlamps became the alternative source of power in these polling units.
There was also a heavy downpour of rain in some places like Delta and Edo states, but it could not stop the exercise from holding. Photos and videos emerged showing Nigerians maintaining queues under the rain, with or without umbrellas to insist on their right to vote.
Political thugs also reportedly invaded some polling units to disrupt the voting process. Ballot boxes were destroyed, others carted away and some BVAS machines were seized.
A young lady identified as Efidi Jennifer, has been hailed as a hero after she returned with a plastered face and blood-stained shirt to cast her vote following an attack by hoodlums at her polling unit in Surulere, Lagos which left her with injuries close to the eye.
Voters in some parts of Lagos state also faced intimidation and ethnic discrimination from political thugs who prevented non-indigenes of the state and non-supporters of the All Progressives Party (APC) from voting.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), postponed elections in 141 polling units in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State where voting was also disrupted, after ad-hoc staff expressed apprehension about going back to conduct the election.
Counting and collation of election results are expected to continue for a couple of days before a winner is announced.
