The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Bayelsa State has announced the start of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, with online pre-registration beginning August 18, 2025, and in-person registration on August 25, 2025.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Bayelsa State, Mal. Isah Shaka Ehimeakhe made this known during a press briefing held at the Commission’s Headquarters in Yenagoa.
Ehimeakhe, who assumed office on June 17, 2025, emphasized that voter registration is a fundamental right and duty for all Nigerians aged 18 and above. “The Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) is essential for voting and participating in nation-building,” he said.
According to the resident Electoral Commissioner, the CVR will enable eligible citizens to register, update their details, replace lost or damaged PVCs, or change voting locations.
He stated that In-person registration will occur at INEC’s Local Government Area Registration Centres across Bayelsa.
The REC warned that double registration is a punishable offence under Section 114(b) of the Electoral Act 2022, with INEC’s Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) designed to detect violations.
“INEC’s Automated Biometric Identification System is designed to detect multiple registrations and flag individuals who attempt to register more than once.
“Voter registration is not only a fundamental right, but also a duty of every eligible citizen of Nigeria; no individual can vote in an election unless they are duly registered to do so. We urge all Nigerians who have attained the age of 18 and have not yet registered to do so.
“The commission remains resolute in protecting the voting rights of every eligible Nigerian; no eligible citizen will be denied the opportunity to register and vote. INEC will collaborate with security agencies and other partners to ensure a practical, secure, and transparent registration exercise.”
He also declared underage registration illegal, urging community leaders to report such attempts.
Ehimeakhe called on stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society, to support the registration drive. He assured a secure and transparent process, with INEC collaborating with security agencies.
To avoid delays in PVC issuance, he encouraged early registration and advised those with uncollected PVCs to check the INEC Voter Verification Portal or visit an INEC office. INEC is also addressing biometric capture issues to ensure inclusivity.
“Democracy thrives on active participation. Registering to vote is the first step toward positive change,” Ehimeakhe said.
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