Nigeria's 2023 Elections: Voters are filled with hope and anxiety ahead of the polls
Document Women asked Nigerians whether they will be voting in the upcoming general elections, who they intend to vote for, why, and how they feel about this election cycle.
Of 55 responses, 41 people will be voting in the upcoming elections, while 14 will not. The Nigerians that have opted not to vote have varying reasons for their decision.
21-year-old Tomide says, "I'm queer + I don't have faith in this country (or the candidates) and the systems in place. Everything is a huge mess, and I don't want to be a part of that because of some false hope that people like me will have a voice in this election cycle. Also, the most favourite candidate has a history of not directly renouncing police violence, especially in his own state, Anambra, which had notorious cases."
Zara, 24, says, "In all honesty, I'm not sure it'll be safe to vote." AJ does not believe in electoralism, and 23-year-old Fer moved, and it seemed like too much effort to change polling units. Other responders will not be voting because they live abroad, do not have PVCs or because of political apathy.
Of the 41 people who indicated that they will be voting, 40 expressed their desire to vote for the Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi, while one responder wishes to vote for Omoyele Sowore.
Their reasons are:
GT, 20: I'll be voting because of their unprecedented honest and true grassroots engagement during the campaigns. Also, Peter Obi's zero corruption record is a dream in the Nigerian political space. Finally, because of the practicality of the solutions to issues listed in their manifesto.
Vivian, 26: He's the best and most honest candidate. He obviously loves Nigeria and Nigerians; he has clear and useful economic and social goals, and above all, he understands the plight of the common man. It's also a bonus that he likes women and doesn't think we are beneath him.
AJ, 23: He's the better candidate out of all. I'm excited to see something fresh and better, but I'm also nervous because that's how Buhari was packaged as well in 2015.
Grace, 26, supports the Labour Party because they're different. "People in APC came out from PDP, and both parties are incompetent and have destroyed our country. Corruption is their slogan."
Triumph, 22: We need to take away power from the two main political parties so we can decentralise political parties in general. This is the first step.
Emmanuella, 39, says Peter Obi is "the only capable and young hand". She believes that if truly we want a better Nigeria, then Peter obi is the choice.
Agozie, 25: His track record as a former governor. It's also not a tough choice - given the options we have
Nenye, 26: We need someone who has empathy, good health, understanding and integrity.
Grace, 21: He is the least of the evils.
Cholo, 24: WHY NOT?
Eunice, 44: We need change.
The responder who wishes to vote for Omoyele Sowore, 27-year-old Omolola, believes he is "a perfect representation of what I stand for. He is ideologically grounded and the only one fit enough to take back Nigeria from its ruiners and so-called owners."
Over 50 per cent of the respondents will be voting for the first time, and most are 30 and under.
We asked the responders how they feel about the current election cycle;
Eka Iban, 55: Excited and hopeful for a good change by PO.
Baby, 21: I feel like every election period, there's a frenzy, heightened emotions and jarring realisations (e.g. finding out someone you like wants to vote for Tinubu). The government tries to disenfranchise people by making the electoral process frustrating (registration and collection of PVCs have been hell for people). The violence and electoral malpractices that come with it too? But I'm voting this time, so I won't feel as helpless as I always feel every election year. I'm excited, scared and hopeful at the same time.
AJ, 23: Nervous. I'm nervous. It's a month away. It's not just the election results I'm afraid of; it's the process as well—ballot snatching, burning of polls, thugs, etc. Sometimes I'm quite afraid Tinubu will win. Because if he does, I will then know that Nigerians truly find pleasure in hellfire.
Vivian, 26: I'm a bit disgusted. I thought everyone was tired of the status quo. It's a bit jarring to see that the people who I was told to respect and defer to as "elders" are just foolish, greedy and bigoted morons.
Fer, 23: People seem to be willing to participate, so I am at least optimistic, but I feel it would be like the end SARS protests where things go bad, and people just default back to Japa plans.
Tobs, 27: Frustrating, the feeling of hopelessness is increasingly evident as it doesn't seem like there'll ever be a better Nigeria regardless of who wins.
H, 23: Tbh, I don't know how to feel, but on the one hand, I feel elated because I'll get to choose my leader. On the other hand, I'm scared Tinubu might win.
Emmanuella, 39: Initially, I felt bad knowing that some old greedy 'polithiefians' will still come on board, but with Peter Obi, we have a New Nigeria.
Tomide, 21: Same as always. Nigerians pick a saviour because of a lack of systems and forget that the legislative houses are important.
Anny 27: Optimistic. I feel very hopeful that we can grab our future back from the hands of the destroyers.
AJ, 24: it's just a constant reminder that our suffering as Nigerians is a game to the elite.
Triumph, 22: However it goes, there is going to be outrage. I just need to know I fought too.
Nyeaka, 33: Anxious to the point of being Terrified. This may be Nigeria's last chance.
Anu, 21: Dramatic, but also, it's the most aware I've seen people.
Grace, 26: Nervous and scared. The outcome will determine a lot of my future plans.
Nkay, 32: I feel desperate for us to get it right as a country.
Loretta, 26: It's been draining having to see how people think generally.
Nigerians feel a mix of emotions about this election cycle. Anxious, pessimistic, pumped up, scared, hopeful and indifferent. The tension is palpable, and it is evident that the youth are significant stakeholders in the upcoming elections. Many believe that change is on the horizon, while others are apprehensive and unenthusiastic. Regardless, the coming elections will undoubtedly be a defining moment in Nigeria's history.