Pa Joseph Adu is 98 years old. He cast his ballot in Iyin-Ekiti on Saturday.
The veteran voter resides in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State. He spoke with reporters after voting at Ward 2, Unit 003.
Adu credited the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo for drawing him into politics. He described Awolowo as principled and genuinely committed to ordinary people's welfare.
As a young man, Adu followed the Action Group faithfully. Awolowo's leadership impressed him deeply throughout his life.
"The charisma and versatility of Awolowo was second to none," Adu told the News Agency of Nigeria. Though illiterate, he tracked Awolowo's campaigns via radio and television.
Adu remembered traveling long distances just to watch Awolowo campaign. Such journeys showed his genuine devotion to the political leader.
Awolowo's vision for a civilised and prosperous Nigeria captured his imagination then. That dream sustained his political engagement over the decades.
Being an Awolowo supporter opened socio-economic doors for the young farmer. It motivated him to ensure his children received quality education.
Adu regretted missing Awolowo's free education policy as a boy. His parents were farmers who trained him in agriculture instead.
"I engaged in farming till now," he explained to reporters. Farming became his lifelong occupation and livelihood.
Despite lacking formal schooling, Adu remained politically conscious throughout his life. He's maintained confidence in Nigeria's democratic system since childhood.
He expressed optimism about Nigeria's future despite current challenges. Social and economic progress remains possible, according to him.
"As far as I have the energy, I will continue to exercise my franchise," Adu declared. His commitment to voting won't end until death.
Politics in Awolowo's era differed markedly from today's practice. Leaders then prioritized governance over excessive security deployments during campaigns.
"You only needed good policies and programmes which will earn you good followership," Adu noted. Sound ideology attracted voters rather than heavy-handed security arrangements.
Contemporary leaders deserve credit despite mounting national problems. Kidnapping and banditry have created unprecedented challenges for everyone.
These security crises didn't emerge overnight, Adu acknowledged to NAN. Multiple administrations have allowed problems to accumulate over time.
Prayer and political determination offer the only way forward. Strong leadership commitment can resolve these entrenched difficulties.
Citizens must play their part by reporting criminals. Community cooperation helps apprehend perpetrators and their accomplices faster.
"We citizens also have roles to support the government," Adu emphasized. Exposing bad elements among the populace strengthens collective security efforts.
