Six tips for Nigerian voters on election day

The much-awaited 2023 general election is finally upon us. The day that will determine the fate of Nigerians for the next 4 or 8 years.

Despite the fact that the Independent National Electoral Commission has assured the safety of voters, individuals still have to be informed and prepared.

Here are some tips that will help you get through the voting process and ensure your safety.

• Have your PVC

Your permanent voter’s card (PVC) is the important item you would be needing. It’s the item that would enable you to carry out your right as a Nigerian.

So find it and keep it in a place it will be easy to locate.

• Confirm your polling unit

Try to identify your polling unit if you don’t know yet, in order to avoid getting lost when going to vote.

After identifying the unit, plan your route. Plan how you would get to the polling unit as early as possible. You can also test-walk the place in case there is no form of transportation.

• Avoid wearing political merchandise to the point units

This is a very important safety precaution you should take in order to protect yourself.

Wearing political merchandise is you publicly announcing your political choice. Even though there’s nothing wrong in announcing your choice, on election day, it’s quite dangerous and not permitted.

Political thugs might take advantage of that to cause unnecessary confrontation. So to avoid issues put on plain clothes that have no affiliation with politics.

• Take things you will need

When going to the polling units, it is necessary to take everything that will be needed for your comfort and safety.

This could include a bottle of water or even food, an umbrella, a hand fan or an electric mini fan, and your electronics like headphones/earpiece and a power bank.

• Vote early

Voting will start by 8:30 am. So it is advisable to get to the polling unit early to avoid crowds and long queues.

• Feel free to ask questions

If you’re encountering a challenge before, during, or after the election process, seek assistance from the officials available.

Ask questions when you aren’t sure of what to do. It’s better to seek help than to have your vote tagged invalid.

It’s your right to go out and cast your vote. Your vote matters!