By RFIPalled on 02-16-2019 Modified on 16-02-2019 at 22:39

In Nigeria, 84 million voters were caught off guard this February 16 by the announcement of the postponement of parliamentary, senatorial and presidential elections by the Electoral Commission, which invokes logistical problems. For many of them, voting involves a sacrifice and a flawless organization. Most voters do not reside in the state where they are registered to vote. Many of them have moved for nothing this weekend, leaving behind activity and family.

Leaning on a work plan at the Obalende market in Lagos, the economic capital of Nigeria, Malam Ali has a blank look. This old man in his sixties is angry again. Employed in the public electricity company, Malam Ali had bitterly negotiated a leave of absence two days before the elections to leave Kano, the megalopolis of the north of the country, to vote in Lagos.

" I took several buses to come to Lagos ," he says. And when I arrived this morning at dawn, I learned that the vote had been postponed. I have no reason to stay. I will go back as soon as possible. And I'll be back next week . "

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Aisha, is a shopkeeper in the city of Ibadan. This middle-aged woman remains attached to Obalende, a popular district nestled in the middle of Ikoyi Island. At each election, she sacrifices her time, to take the public transport in order to vote. " See, here is my grandfather's house ," she explains. I was born in Obalendé. My voting card is registered here. This is where I have to vote . "

Aïsha is attached to her district but especially to the political elites, who represent this district at the local level. No matter how much time you spend on the road, she organizes herself so that her business runs in her absence.

" Next Friday, I will be forced to hit the road and return to Lagos , Aïsha continues. For the round trip, I will spend about 10 euros. I will close my institution because of the elections because I want to give my voice to the candidate of my choice .

In Obalendé, if many voters have been cooled by this postponement surprise, they are determined to express themselves next weekend.

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