Elderly Osun residents reveal what drove them to brave danger and cast their ballots

Elderly individuals, including those in their eighties, who cast their ballots in the Osun State governorship election on Saturday, did so with the aim of promoting the state's development and securing a better life for its residents.

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These senior citizens emphasized that voting is a fundamental civic duty that should not be swayed by financial incentives, and they urged the eventual winner to prioritize good governance, development, and the welfare of the people.

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Aminatu Asafa, an 80-year-old voter, expressed her desire to enjoy the benefits of democracy, stating that she voted in the interest of her children's and the state's future, and that she expects positive outcomes from the election.

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Chief Tunji Agunbiade, an 81-year-old retiree, asserted that he believes in competence and does not support the practice of buying votes, as he thinks it undermines the democratic process and hinders development.

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According to Agunbiade, his chosen candidate has a manifesto that outlines plans for good roads, incentives, and other measures to enhance Osun State's development, which aligns with his vision for the state's progress.

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Alhaji Owoso Lateef, a 78-year-old voter, stated that he has been voting since 1993 and exercised his right to vote on Saturday, emphasizing that he seeks a better life for the citizens of Osun State.

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Lateef reported that the voting process was peaceful and that he was not offered any money in exchange for his vote, and even if he had been, he would not have accepted it.

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Olatunde Ibiyemi, an 85-year-old voter, condemned the practice of vote-buying and "stomach infrastructure," arguing that these practices do not contribute to the development of society and instead prioritize short-term gains.

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Ibiyemi emphasized that voting should be about choosing leaders who will bring progress and benefits to society, rather than seeking immediate rewards.

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Pastor Olumide Abiona, a 70-year-old retiree, reported that voting in Ilesa was peaceful, despite some technical issues with the BVAS machine, and that he has been voting since 2011 as a way to exercise his constitutional right.

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Abiona stated that he did not receive any payment for his vote and advised others against accepting money in exchange for their ballots, as this undermines the democratic process and the ability to hold leaders accountable.

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Pa Odejide Mosunmoye, an 85-year-old voter, expressed his desire to see better governance in Osun State, which motivated him to cast his ballot for his preferred candidate, and he has been voting since the era of Obafemi Awolowo.

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Mosunmoye acknowledged that no government is perfect but emphasized the importance of choosing better leaders and doing one's part to promote positive change, leaving the outcome in the hands of a higher power.