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Voting is Your Super Power: A New Nigeria Is Possible if Only you Vote

by Muyiwa Joseph

Every four years, Nigerians are given the option to choose a leader who would change the country for the better or for the worse. In keeping with this, the adage "voting is your civic duty" comes to reality. The amazing thing is that voting isn't only a responsibility; it's also your superpower! In this post, we will look at why your vote is so important and how you may make a significant difference simply by voting.

2023: What to do? The next general election is already in view, and the world is watching Nigeria keenly.

At this moment, you have the duty to contribute by voting.

Several procedures must be taken in order to do this:


1. Ensure you have your PVC: Your PVC is your permanent voter identification card. It is a physical proof that you are eligible to vote. You would not be permitted to vote if you did not register for your PVC while the registration procedure was in progress. But, if you registered and did not pick it up as you read this story, the collection is already underway, and INEC has been asking you to go pick it up. This is your password for voting, and you will surely need it.


2. Inquire About Each Candidate: Once you have obtained your PVC, you are now qualified to vote. The issue that remains is "Who should you cast your precious vote?" You have to ask a lot of questions to get an answer. Which of the candidates do you believe has the ability to solve the current problems? You may even need to follow the news and make little discoveries about each contender. This would significantly influence your decision.


3. Understand the Voting Process: Voting needs you to thumb print on a piece of paper, especially beside the emblem of the party to which your favourite candidate belongs. It is critical that you vote correctly in order for your vote to be legitimate, since any vote that is not done correctly will be considered void. As a result, it is recommended that you understand how to accomplish this appropriately. Vote: That's all there is to it! On election day, get out, wait in line, and vote when your turn comes. Make use of your superpower!

Why Your Vote Matters Nigeria is expected to have a population of around 200 million people. You may doubt if your one vote is significant; after all, millions of people might easily override your vote. If that's what you're thinking, you should think about the first general election, which took place in 1979. Shehu Shagari received around 5.6 million votes, while Obafemi Awolowo received approximately 4.9 million votes. Nigeria had a population of roughly 70.75 million people in 1979, according to the US Census Bureau. The overall number of persons who voted in the election was around 10.5 million. There is a clear sign that many people did not vote, and maybe, just maybe, if a few more people had voted (in favour of Obafemi Awolowo, of course), he would have won; after all, Shehu Shagari won by a slim margin. This was the closest win in Nigerian election history, and it was determined by a few people who voted alone. Politicians recognise the value of a single vote, which is why they make it a priority to visit your state and organise campaigns in which they lay out their goals for you. Some of them even go so far as to purchase your vote for a crazy sum of money. Of course, you've probably heard of politicians donating packets of salt, food spice, bags of rice, and other items in order to get your support. Why would they go to all that trouble if that one vote isn't that important? Why? Make Your Voice Heard! As a bonafide Nigerian, your ability to vote is one of the most important methods to express yourself and make your opinion known. Voting is a legitimate right because it allows you to choose the person you feel would best serve you as a Nigerian. Many Nigerians have frequently protested against a variety of concerns, including gasoline price increases, rising school fees, the ASUU strike, terrible roads, insufficient power supply, and the government's unwillingness to pay retired public officials their pensions. These are important concerns that must be addressed immediately. Protests, on the other hand, have had little or no influence on the existing quo. That is where your voting power comes into play. With that one vote, you have the power to change anything you believe needs to be changed in the country by electing the appropriate candidate who you believe has the ability to do it.

If you want your voice to be heard, then this is the right way to do so. It essentially means that you cannot sell your vote, for whatever amount that is presented to you. It means that you cannot vote in someone simply because the person has religious or ethnic affiliation to you. It means that you cannot vote in someone who you do not believe in his or her competency. It means that you cannot vote in someone who dors not plainly explain how the problems you are currently facing would be solved. Your vote is your super power, and with it, you can change the trajectory of the country.
 

Muyiwa Joseph is a member of Jos Green Centre's communication unit. He is a prolific writer and a digital content creator.

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