Some Abuja residents have urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to allow registered electorate with Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to cast their votes wherever they are in the country in subsequent elections.
The residents expressed their views in Abuja on Saturday.
Alhaja Rita Mohammed, a voter at Post office polling unit, said people should be allowed to vote irrespective of where they registered.
“If you registered in Lagos and you find yourself in Enugu, you should be able to cast your vote as long as you are registered with INEC.
“If we are talking of transparency and reducing corruption, the way we organise and conduct elections is also important.
Mr Samuel Okpara at Lokogoma polling unit expressed satisfaction with the impressive voter turnout for the Presidential and National Assembly elections.
“As you can see, people are so many here more than I envisaged. However, most of the people living in my compound — about 10 persons — could not vote here because theydid not register in this area.
“My wife also cannot cast her vote here because she was still in service in Lagos during the registration and that was where she got her PVC but she cannot vote because she did not register here’’.
Miss Blessing Christopher, a fresh graduate, said that she registered in Kebbi during her NYSC and later relocated to Abuja when she secured a job.
“I feel denied of my right to vote because I registered with INEC and my name came out on their portal as a registered citizen.
“I relocated to Abuja few months ago because I got a new job. I would have loved to vote for my choice just like every other person.
“Immediately I settled down with my job and got an accommodation, I notified INEC in Kebbi and asked them to transfer my PVC to Kabusa, the closest polling booth to where I live.
“I even made effort to visit the FCT INEC office to change my voting centre to the nearest and I went back four times to check but I didn’t see it.
“I believe, Nigerians are now wise and mature enough to cast their votes anywhere in the country. INEC and the Federal Government should start planning for this in future.
“My name was online that I register but now I am home doing nothing likewise my friends,’’ she said.
Pastor Daniel Amaechi, who resides at Durumi, noted that people in most developed countries were allowed to cast their votes wherever they were within their countries.
“I wonder why Nigeria can’t do the same.
“I received phone calls from some of my Church members last week about some of our members who had travelled to another state for the election and were involved in roadmishaps.
“One of the accident victims was a young boy who was excited to be a first time voter, but it is so unfortunate that the boy died in the accident while going to Kano.
“The second person was travelling in her private car with her driver and a trailer collided with theirs and the rest is now history, nobody can be hold responsible fortheir misfortune.
“The ones who survived, we are paying for their hospital bills even when we did not send them to travel but they are part of us and its our responsibility to see thatthey are fit again.
“If INEC had allowed people to cast their votes in any place they are across the country, such evil occurrences can be averted.’’
Dr Fola Aderemi, an observer, that the turnout of voters was impressive.
“INEC coordination is also exciting; however, I think INEC can introduce new ways for the electorate to cast their votes.
“In view of last week’s postponement, I believe its imperative for us to start planning how to make subsequent elections easier for the people because of the risks involved.”
Meanwhile, a Mobile Policeman and some other security personnel say the election is progressing smoothly.
“For now, the election is going on smooth and we at alert to shake anyone who misbehaves,’’ he said.
