The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised concerns over voter participation in Bayelsa State after reporting that 52,225 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) remain uncollected ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. The commission made the disclosure during a stakeholders’ meeting in Yenagoa on Tuesday, October 27, where electoral officials, political parties, security agencies and civil society organisations discussed preparations for the forthcoming polls.
INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Bayelsa, Isah Shaka Ehimeakhe, called on eligible voters to collect their cards and encouraged community leaders to intensify public awareness campaigns. He stressed that registered voters need their PVCs to exercise their right to vote and urged stakeholders to help residents understand the importance of participating in the electoral process.
The development comes as political activities increase across the country, with electoral stakeholders focusing on voter mobilisation, security and preparations for the 2027 elections. However, the commission faces the additional challenge of reaching residents in remote communities where transportation costs and difficult terrain can make card collection more complicated.
Uncollected PVCs in Bayelsa: Ekeremor Records the Highest Figure
Figures presented at the meeting identified Ekeremor Local Government Area as having the highest number of uncollected PVCs in the state, with 12,023 cards. Sagbama followed with 10,080, while Southern Ijaw recorded 7,115.
Yenagoa had 6,332 cards, while Brass recorded 6,211. Kolokuma/Opokuma had 3,712, followed by Nembe with 3,620 and Ogbia with 3,132. The figures cover Bayelsa’s eight local government areas and highlight the scale of the voter mobilisation exercise across the state.
The distribution of the reported figures means that mobilisation efforts will need to reach communities across the state rather than concentrate only on the capital. Political parties, traditional rulers, religious leaders and civil society organisations can help communicate collection information to residents who may not regularly follow official announcements.
INEC has also urged political actors to support voter education and encourage eligible citizens to complete the collection process. Regular updates on collection figures could help the commission and community organisations identify areas where further public awareness may be necessary.
However, the reported total requires careful interpretation. Some reports describe the 52,225 PVCs as cards awaiting collection, while other accounts identify the figure as the total number allocated during the first phase of Continuous Voter Registration. INEC’s confirmed breakdown and the status of the cards should therefore be clarified before the figure is used to calculate the precise number still awaiting collection.
Riverine Communities Face Challenges Collecting PVCs
Transportation difficulties remain a major concern for residents of some riverine communities in Bayelsa, where travelling to an INEC office may require considerable time and money. These challenges could discourage some registered voters from collecting their cards, particularly those who live far from designated collection centres.
A representative of the Peoples Democratic Party at the stakeholders’ meeting appealed to INEC to consider practical arrangements that would make collection easier for residents in remote areas. The representative also called for regular publication of voter registration and PVC collection statistics to help political parties and community leaders identify locations that require additional mobilisation.
Such arrangements would need to comply with electoral rules while ensuring that eligible voters receive clear information about where to collect their cards. Community outreach, timely announcements and direct communication with registered voters could help address some of the difficulties.
How Registered Voters Can Collect Their PVCs
INEC previously announced that PVC collection for eligible voters covered by the first phase of Continuous Voter Registration began on October 9 and continued until October 15 at designated ward centres across Bayelsa. From October 16, collection moved to INEC offices in the state’s eight local government areas.
The commission also stated that previously registered voters who had not collected their cards could visit the appropriate local government office for guidance. Voters should confirm their collection location and eligibility before travelling, as arrangements may differ depending on when they registered or transferred their voting location. INEC has also stated that PVC collection must be completed in person rather than through a proxy.
Registered voters can consult the official INEC Continuous Voter Registration portal for available guidance and contact their local INEC office to confirm current arrangements.
Meanwhile, security officials at the stakeholders’ meeting urged politicians to avoid hate speech, misinformation and actions that could trigger violence during the election period. Stakeholders also called for better training of election personnel and stronger coordination between INEC and security agencies.
As preparations for the 2027 general elections continue, voter education and accessible collection arrangements will remain important priorities. Clear information about PVC collection can help eligible residents prepare for election day, while peaceful political engagement can support public confidence in the electoral process.
