Fellow Nigerians, it’s no news that every four years, elections hold to decide the fate of the nation. And on this day, different types of people will trope to the polling unit, with their different characters, to vote for their preferred candidate.
To prepare you for this great day, it’s paramount that you should know the kinds of people you will most likely come across at the polling units.
That being said, if you do not have your Permanent Voters Card (PVC), then I do not know what to say to you. I mean…
These are the kinds of people you meet at the polling unit:
The Fighters
You need to prepare to meet these ones at the polling units.
They lowkey came with the mission to canvas for their candidate. They will try to convince you to vote for their person as opposed to who you think is the right fit. Do not make the mistake of responding to them, especially if you do not agree with their choice.
Unless you are ready to fight.
They are usually the ones voting for change; they have been voting for it for the last 8 years.
When they pick conversations with you, do your best to smile and move on.
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The Peacemakers
These ones are just there to fulfill their civic responsibilities. They are not here for noise or any sort of rogbodiyan.
Peacemakers come to the polling unit to cast their votes and move on. They are usually the ones who believe in a new Nigeria, are more rational in their choice and don’t attach sentiments to their votes.
All they do is cast their votes and move. No time to check time.
The Confused Ones
These people amuse me really.
Over a year of campaigning, fact-checking, research and they still plan to vote for whoever their mind tells them to at the polling unit.
They would usually be the ones listening to the fighters and answering with ‘hmm hmm’ while nodding their heads.
If you are in this group, my simple question to you is ‘why?’
The Spacebookers
This group is divided into 2.
The first group is the people who will come early to the polling unit on behalf of all their family members and keep space for over 20 individuals.
While we love the enthusiasm, please tell me why only one individual will keep space for so many people.
The second group of people will wait in line for hours and when it’s almost their turn to vote, they move out of the line for someone else to take their place and vote.
One would wonder if they get paid for standing in line or something else.
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The VIPs
These ones do not stand in line, and nor do they get anyone to do the standing for them. They come in whenever they like, usually around high noon, go into the polling unit, and are out in 5 minutes.
The VIPs would usually come to the polling unit with an entourage so nobody can question them or even speak about the sovereignty of the law in a ‘democratic election’.
READ: How to Become an INEC Staff for the 2023 Elections
The Historians
Lowkey, we love these people. And for two reasons.
One, they keep us entertained while we wait under the hot sun to cast our votes. Two, they act as eyes and ears at the polling unit, looking out for shady activities. Tugging at the conscience of the officials and bringing it to the people’s notice.
They will usually say something snarky whenever the VIPs come to perform their enterprise. Something like “Us that have been on the queue since morning, are we selling beans?”
These historians are usually between 60 – 80 years old, older than the country itself. You find them sitting in the shadows and shades telling stories of the good old days and politicians who have done great things for this nation.
Of all the kinds of people you meet at the polling unit, historians are the best.
The I Too Knows
Gosh! This is a group of very annoying people. They come really close to the fighters.
You will find them jumping from one place to the other and giving opinions with little or no knowledge of the topic at hand. They usually like to disagree or agree with the historians using ‘facts’ of their own.
You will also find them teaching the INEC officials how to do their jobs.
They no dey rest!
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The Unofficial Coordinators
Of all the kinds of people you meet at the polling unit, these people are very useful.
They monitor the line and ensure nobody cuts corners. When they see anyone trying to cut into the queue, they immediately set them straight. Except for the VIPs of course.
The Pickpockets
Nobody has to tell you that in a gathering of people, these people are always there.
They can come from any of the groups above. This is why you have to be careful with yourself and your belongings.
They can pick anything, including you yourself, so stay guarded.
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The Traders
Also subdivided into two.
You are bound to get hungry after standing in line for hours, sometimes on an empty stomach. That is why we need these people at the polling units. From sachet water to biscuits, to trenches rice, these people provide all you need to keep hunger far away.
What’s more? You don’t have to leave the line, you beckon on them and they run to you. This is the first group.
We love the first group.
The second group is those who have come to buy your future. However, they are wise; they will not tell you they are here for your future. They’d rather say that you should vote for their candidate in exchange for a little money.
They would tell you that all they need is your thumbprint on their candidate and you get some funds in exchange.
My advice? Run from these people, and report them if you can. They are not after just your thumbprint; they are after your future, your life, and your nation.
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In conclusion…
As the elections close in, please go for candidates who you are sure are the best fit for Nigeria. Do not be discouraged or dissuaded by public opinion, facts, or past perceived good works.
Please vote for the future, vote against corruption and oppression. Vote because a new Nigeria is possible.
