Ekeremor has the highest number of uncollected voter cards, with electoral officials and security agencies urging residents to participate in the electoral process and warning politicians against violence, hate speech and misinformation.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that 52,225 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) remain uncollected in Bayelsa State as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
The commission revealed the figures during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Yenagoa, the state capital, on Tuesday. The gathering brought together electoral officials, political party representatives, security agencies and civil society organisations to discuss voter participation, electoral security and preparations for the forthcoming polls.
Participants expressed concerns about voter apathy and the difficulties residents of riverine communities face in accessing PVC collection centres.
Ekeremor Records Highest Number of Uncollected PVCs
Figures presented at the meeting showed that Ekeremor Local Government Area has the highest number of uncollected voter cards, with 12,023.
Sagbama followed with 10,080 uncollected PVCs, while Southern Ijaw recorded 7,115. Other local government areas include Yenagoa with 6,332, Brass with 6,211, Kolokuma/Opokuma with 3,712, Nembe with 3,620 and Ogbia with 3,132.
INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Bayelsa State, Isah Ehimeakhe, appealed to registered voters to collect their cards, warning that poor participation could weaken the credibility of the electoral process.
He called on political parties, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community organisations to intensify public awareness campaigns and encourage eligible residents to obtain their PVCs before the elections.
“The commission is concerned that 52,225 Permanent Voter Cards are still uncollected in Bayelsa State. We appeal to all eligible voters who have registered to make efforts to collect their cards so that they can exercise their constitutional right to vote in the 2027 general elections,” Ehimeakhe said.
Riverine Communities Face Transportation Challenges
The REC acknowledged that difficult terrain and high transportation costs pose significant obstacles for residents of riverine communities seeking to collect their voter cards.
He urged community leaders and other stakeholders to work with INEC to ensure that logistical challenges do not discourage eligible voters from participating in the elections.
Ehimeakhe said the commission recognised the difficulties faced by residents who must travel considerable distances and incur substantial expenses to reach designated collection centres.
A representative of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also urged INEC to consider practical measures to make PVC collection easier for people living in remote communities.
The party representative argued that the cost and difficulty of travelling to collection centres could prevent some registered voters from obtaining their cards.
The representative called for arrangements that would improve accessibility and help ensure that eligible citizens are not excluded from the electoral process because of their location or financial circumstances.
INEC, Police Warn Against Electoral Violence
Beyond voter registration and participation, the meeting addressed concerns about political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ehimeakhe urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct their campaigns responsibly, stressing that political competition should focus on policies and programmes rather than personal attacks.
He warned against hate speech, misinformation and the circulation of false information capable of creating tension among residents.
The REC emphasised that all political actors had a responsibility to protect peace and stability in Bayelsa State before, during and after the elections.
Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, also cautioned politicians against activities that could threaten public order.
He urged political actors to place the collective interest of the country above personal ambitions and avoid inflammatory statements, threats and actions capable of provoking clashes between rival supporters.
Adewale further called on political parties to comply with electoral laws and cooperate with security agencies to prevent violence throughout the electoral period.
Stakeholders Demand Better Election Preparedness
The stakeholders’ meeting also highlighted the need to improve the training of ad hoc election personnel, strengthen the protection of electoral materials and enhance coordination between INEC and security agencies.
Participants said these measures were important for reducing operational mistakes and preventing security breaches that could undermine the credibility of the elections.
Ehimeakhe stressed that INEC could not independently guarantee credible elections without the support of other institutions and members of the public.
He called for cooperation among political parties, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and the media to improve voter education and promote peaceful electoral participation.
The meeting also addressed the participation of women, young people and persons with disabilities in the electoral process.
A representative of the National Council of Women Societies encouraged women to promote peaceful political engagement and discourage violence within their communities.
Representatives of the Women Organised for Mentorship and Advocacy Network and the Do Foundation also pledged to support voter education and public sensitisation against electoral violence.
INEC Announces Recruitment Deadline for Ad Hoc Election Staff
During the meeting, INEC reminded prospective ad hoc election personnel that its recruitment portal, which opened on September 18, 2026, would close at midnight on November 18, 2026.
The commission urged qualified applicants to submit their applications through its official recruitment portal before the deadline.
Ehimeakhe also stated that campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections commenced on August 19, 2026, and would end at midnight on January 14, 2027.
The announcement formed part of the broader discussions on election preparedness, public participation and compliance with electoral guidelines.
Bayelsa Residents Urged to Prepare for 2027 Elections
The stakeholders concluded by calling on eligible residents to collect their PVCs, participate in the electoral process and reject violence and misinformation.
With 52,225 voter cards still awaiting collection, INEC’s mobilisation efforts will be important in encouraging registered voters across the state to obtain their cards before the polls.
The challenges facing riverine communities, particularly transportation costs and difficult access to collection centres, remain concerns for electoral stakeholders.
Participants maintained that effective collaboration among INEC, political parties, security agencies, community leaders and civil society organisations would be essential to improving voter participation and ensuring peaceful and credible elections in Bayelsa State in 2027.
