TELL Magazine

As Nigerians prepare for the presidential and national assembly elections scheduled to hold across the country on Saturday, February 25 there is apprehension in the country following the fever-pitch campaigns that have been on for months ahead of the exercise. Expectedly, the country appears to be in panic mode. Many people have stockpiled food stuffs and other supplies, afraid that there might be crisis following the conduct of the polls. It was, therefore, not surprising that some in most places across the country may choose to adopt a low profile, such that the usual clumsy roads, even in places like Lagos, were surprisingly free of traffic, except areas where people closed late and had to rush back home.

Bus stations at Agege, Ipaja and Ikeja areas of Lagos were not as busy as they normal would be, particularly on Fridays. Although the markets and supermarkets had some clusters, those locations too were not as busy as they would normally be.

At Oshodi, around 4.15 pm, half of the shops were already closed, and the shop owners apparently gone home. Some people we spoke with said the traders closed shops because they were apprehensive that crisis might break out even on the eve of the poll.

Oshodi was particularly affected regarding preparations for tomorrow’s election, compare to what it used to be, especially on Fridays.

The few People who displayed their wares were competing for customers by telling them they were ready to accept both redesigned and old naira denominations, yet, with all the antics majority of people, also conscious of safety and wanting to get to their locations before dark, moved swiftly past the traders. There were chances that they too could not stop to buy anything because of the scarcity of the currency.

However, those who were afraid that they may be caught up with the restrictions if they fail to get to their destination before night fall would be justified considering reports from places like Kano and Delta states. In Kano State there was a report of deadly clash between supporters of rival parties. The parties involved were not immediately known. Three vehicles were allegedly burnt, while some people were injured in the conflict. Earlier on Friday there were reports that some gunmen killed a security operative and another person yet to be identified.