The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says 52,225 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) remain uncollected in Bayelsa State ahead of the 2027 general elections. The commission disclosed the figure at a stakeholders’ meeting in Yenagoa on Tuesday, October 27, raising concerns about voter participation and access to collection centres.
INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Bayelsa, Isah Shaka Ehimeakhe, urged eligible voters to collect their cards before the elections. He also called on political parties, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community organisations to intensify voter education.
Uncollected PVCs in Bayelsa, Breakdown by Local Government
Figures presented by INEC show that Ekeremor Local Government Area has the highest number of uncollected PVCs, with 12,023 cards. Sagbama follows with 10,080, while Southern Ijaw has 7,115.
Yenagoa has 6,332 uncollected cards, while Brass records 6,211. Kolokuma/Opokuma has 3,712, Nembe has 3,620, and Ogbia has 3,132.
The figures highlight the need for stronger voter mobilisation across the state’s eight local government areas. INEC has urged eligible voters to collect their cards so they can exercise their constitutional right to vote in 2027.
However, transportation costs and difficult terrain remain major challenges for residents of riverine communities. Some voters must travel long distances, often by water, to reach collection centres.
A representative of the Peoples Democratic Party urged INEC to consider practical arrangements that would make collection easier for people in remote communities. The representative also called for regular updates on voter registration and PVC collection figures.
How Registered Voters Can Collect Their PVCs
INEC has urged registered voters who have not collected their PVCs to contact the appropriate local government office for guidance. The commission previously announced that collection at Registration Area Centres ran from October 9 to October 15, 2026, before moving to local government offices from October 16.
Eligible voters should confirm their collection location and requirements with INEC before travelling. The commission has also advised voters to verify their registration details and polling units.
Meanwhile, electoral stakeholders have called for peaceful campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections. The Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Ajao Saka Adewale, warned politicians against hate speech, misinformation and actions that could trigger violence.
With the elections approaching, sustained voter education and accessible collection arrangements will be important. Ensuring that eligible voters obtain their PVCs can help reduce barriers to participation and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
