The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) across the eight local government areas of Bayelsa State, with eligible voters expected to collect their cards within a seven-day window ending October 15, 2026.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Isah Shaka, announced the exercise during a news conference at the commission’s office in Swali, Yenagoa, on Friday. He said the distribution would take place across 105 wards between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily, including Saturday and Sunday.
According to Shaka, the exercise covers voters who registered for the first time or applied to transfer their voting locations during the first phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, conducted between August and December 2025.
He urged eligible voters to take advantage of the collection period to obtain their cards, which are essential for participating in elections in accordance with applicable electoral requirements.
A breakdown of the PVCs received by the local government areas shows that Brass has 6,211 cards, Ekeremor 12,023, Nembe 3,620, Kolokuma/Opokuma 3,712, Ogbia 3,132, Sagbama 10,080, Yenagoa 6,332 and Southern Ijaw 7,115.
The figures indicate that Ekeremor received the largest allocation, followed by Sagbama and Southern Ijaw. Ogbia received the lowest number among the eight local government areas listed.
Shaka also addressed the issue of uncollected voter cards from previous registration exercises, urging residents who registered between 2011 and 2022 but had yet to collect their PVCs to visit INEC offices in their respective local government areas.
He advised voters to check the displayed register of voters to confirm that their names were included and verify their designated polling units before proceeding to collect their cards.
The REC further stressed that PVC collection must be undertaken in person at the appropriate collection centres, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
The exercise highlights the importance of voter registration records, timely collection of voter cards and public awareness in supporting electoral participation. For INEC, ensuring that eligible voters obtain their cards remains an important administrative responsibility in preparing for subsequent electoral activities.
Residents who are eligible to collect their cards are therefore expected to confirm their registration details and visit the designated centres within the announced period. Those with outstanding PVCs from earlier registration exercises can also approach the commission’s local government offices for guidance on collection.
