by Adedayo Ademuwagun

The election is postponed and Valentine’s Day is free again. Now some people are venting about the reschedule and people who were looking forward to voting on that day are really pissed with the INEC decision.

In this chat, Osagie, Bukola and Kareem talk about the election, the postponement and their plans for this Valentine’s Day.

– First off, what do you think about Valentine’s Day?

Osagie: I think Valentine’s Day is a special day for love and lovers. Of course you should show love and do romantic things on other days, but Val is a special opportunity and I think everyone should see it that way.

Bukola: I’d say some guys and ladies are born romantics. So they do all these sweet things on most days. They spend quality time with their partner, they buy them gifts and things like that. But some people aren’t like that, so I see it as a day set aside for people to do these things they probably don’t do regularly or frequently enough. I see it as a call to action. But also people should make out time for their loved ones often, not just on Valentine’s Day. It’s not much of a big deal really.

Kareem: It’s like every other day for me because I’m not a fan of Valentine. It’s not even because of my religion. It’s personal. I have never felt a need to celebrate Val. I feel I don’t have to wait for Val’s day to show how romantic I am. Every other day is an opportunity for that. I try to explain my viewpoint to my girlfriend, although she grudgingly agrees with me.

– So how do you see this election?

Osagie: I’m really interested! I see it as an opportunity for change. We’ve been through a lot in the last couple of years and I think this is our chance to make a difference. Young people need to get more involved in the political process and make our voice heard more. This is our opportunity.

Bukola: I’m not really into politics so I haven’t really been following the happenings. I sincerely don’t think my vote counts. Besides, I don’t see any presidential candidate that’s fit and worthy of my vote. I think we’re just about to choose between two unsuitable people.

Kareem: There’s not much to expect for me. I just want to vote because it’s my civic duty. But I think the buildup has been very intense and people fear we’re in for some trouble. But I hope it will be peaceful and then we can all move on in peace after the whole thing. The important thing for me is for us to do election without any crisis happening during or after it.

– What do you think about the postponement?

Osagie: They’re simply postponing the inevitable. We’re going to march for change on March 28. They know their campaign is going badly already and that’s why they’re shifting the election. But that doesn’t change anything for people like me. It just means we’ll have to wait a bit more. I’ve already decided whom I’ll vote for.

Bukola: Shifting the election is great for me because I initially thought movement will be restricted on the day and that this might ruin the day for me and my boo. So now that the election is off, I’m thinking we’ll take time out, maybe go somewhere nice and spend the day together. Surely everyone likes to have some fun on a special day. After all I didn’t plan to vote on that day anyway.

Kareem: I just hope it’s not that they’re trying to rig the election. I’m hearing all kinds of rumours right now. But if the INEC people made this decision so that more people can get their PVC and also to avert an impending crisis, then I think it’s a good decision.

– How would you have spent the day if the election wasn’t put off?

Osagie: I’d have gone to the polling centre with my fiancée first to vote for change. Then we’d have gone back home, cooked a special meal that we don’t eat usually plus some cool expensive wine. So we’d have flexed indoors for the rest of the day and had a nice time.

Bukola: I’ve just moved into a new neighbourhood and I don’t really know any fun place here. So I’d probably have spent the day at home since I’m not going to vote. I don’t even have my PVC. So there’s no point going out to see what’s happening. It would be safer to stay at home I guess.

Kareem: I’d have gone to vote and returned home to watch a match and relax. My girlfriend is based in another city, so I’d probably have called her to say Happy Valentine’s Day or something. She’s an amazing lady.