The incident during the 2023 election was the first time I personally experienced something like that. I have been in Lagos for 30 years. I started voting when I was 25. As for discrimination and harassment during elections, I had not experienced anything like that before.
On the election day, where I was, some groups of thugs came over there to scatter everywhere and beat people. The police officers were present there; I don’t know if they were scared of those guys. I have not experienced such before. I was very scared.
Despite that fear, I came out to vote because I am a Nigerian and it is my duty as a citizen. I will not allow intimidation or harassment to stop me from exercising my rights. But after what happened, I started doubting whether I would be able to vote again or even come out during another election.
Before the election, I did not really notice any danger signs. Everything seemed normal to me at that time. I did not see anything that made me think there would be trouble later.
My relationship with people from other ethnic groups before the election was good. We lived together peacefully and there were no issues. Everything was normal.
It was after the election that things changed. People started discriminating against each other because of the different tribes they originated from. But my own belief and stand is that we are all one Nigeria. Regardless of anything, I don’t discriminate.
In the 2027 election, I will still vote. I will never allow anybody to intimidate me. Voting is my right.
I also hope future elections will be more peaceful and secure so that people can participate freely without fear. Elections should unite people, not create divisions or make anyone feel unsafe because of their political views or perceived affiliations. Everybody should be able to vote without intimidation.
We should continue praying for Nigeria and hoping for a better country. In other countries, people always pray for their nation and wish their country well. We should also do the same.
As we approach the 2027 election, what I want to improve regarding errors in the last 2023 election is the need for adequate security and election materials and officials. I also hope future elections will be more peaceful and secure so that people can participate freely without fear.
Elections should unite people, not create divisions or make anyone feel unsafe because of their political views or perceived affiliations. Everybody should be able to vote without intimidation.
To other people who may be afraid because of intimidation or harassment, I want to encourage them to still come out and vote. This is our country and we all have responsibilities towards it. People should come out in large numbers to vote because if we decide not to vote, then we are giving up our responsibility as citizens.
I look forward to a better and more peaceful Nigeria. I want to see good leadership and a better future for the country.
As narrated by: Adeyemo Elizabeth (Lagos, Nigeria).
This snippet is published as part of the series, Not Your Lagos.
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