The day we’ve all been waiting for is almost upon us: we’re 15 days away from Nigeria’s 2023 presidential elections. Some people are anxious about the chaos that might follow after the elections, and others have decided to start fasting and praying to ensure their candidate is victorious at the polls. 

But, whatever the case might be, here are some things you must do to at least get through election day and get home in one piece:

Dress properly for the occasion

Make sure you wear light clothes since you might be standing for some time while awaiting accreditation and voting. Also, make sure your shoes or footwear are especially comfortable, just in case you need to run. 

You should also take extra care to note the following:

• You can’t wear clothes with colours that represent any party
• You are not allowed to carry campaign materials to polling units 

If you are found guilty of this, according to the electoral act, you’d be required to pay a fine of ₦100k or face imprisonment for six months.

Vote properly

After accreditation, you’ll be given a ballot paper to thumbprint within the box of your preferred party. Make sure your mark appears only within the box and doesn’t cross any lines.

Also read: The Four Steps You Need to Know As a First-Time Voter

If it does, your vote will be considered invalid. After months of campaigning online, don’t let your village people get you when it’s finally time to cast your vote. 

We made a video on how to vote here.

Don’t carry weapons

Elections are an opportunity to fight for our lives, but the only weapon you’ll need is your Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC). If you’re caught in possession of any harmful weapon, you’ll be fined the sum of ₦100k or face six months imprisonment. 

Don’t take or give money 

This probably looks like bad advice under the administration of President Bubu and Meffy, especially if the now rare naira notes are being shared.

But taking money from people on election day counts as “undue influence”, and this attracts a fine of ₦100k and up to 12 months imprisonment. So, run away from the temptation; you wouldn’t want to go from your polling unit to prison. 

Don’t campaign

Every election season, many people become political analysts, shouting and swearing with almost everything that their candidate is better. Which is fair, except everything should end when you get to your polling unit. Don’t try to convince anyone to vote for your candidate.

If you’re caught doing so within 300 meters of a polling unit, you’d pay a fine of ₦100k or face 6 months imprisonment.   

Hopefully, you take some of the advice we’ve given, and if you refuse to, may the odds be ever in your favour. 

The Citizen Situation Room and Helpline are your ultimate plugs for real-time gist and drama on the 2023 elections. Join the conversation today!

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