INEC Bayelsa Enhances Collaboration With Accredited Service Providers On Voter Education

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Bayelsa State, through its Voter Education, Publicity, Gender, and Inclusivity Department, recently engaged with accredited Voter Education Service Providers to strengthen and sustain voter enlightenment programs across the state.

The meeting, led by Mr. Christian Utong, Head of Voter Education in the state, brought together key stakeholders and civil society partners, including representatives from WOMAN, who actively participated in the discussions.

The session focused on fostering collaboration for a more coordinated sensitisation effort, particularly as the Commission prepares to launch roadshows across Bayelsa to raise public awareness and enhance voter education for the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

During the meeting, Mr. Utong emphasised the critical role of service providers in bridging the gap between INEC and local communities.

He stated that effective voter education is essential to address common misconceptions surrounding the CVR and to ensure that all eligible citizens fully understand the process.

He clarified that the CVR is exclusively for Nigerians who have never registered before, those who have recently turned 18, and individuals who have lost, defaced, or damaged their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

He cautioned against multiple registrations, warning that offenders risk having their records invalidated and potentially facing prosecution.

Mr. Utong further explained that the Commission now utilises the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS), which employs bimodal verification—facial recognition and fingerprint authentication—to eliminate multiple registrations and ensure the integrity of the voter register.

Underscoring the importance of the initiative, participating organisations, including WOMAN, pledged their commitment to amplifying sensitisation efforts within communities, especially among women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

They emphasised that inclusive and gender-sensitive approaches are crucial in mobilising citizens to actively participate in the electoral process.

Participants also agreed on an intensified schedule of roadshows, set to take place on September 11, 2025, across major routes from Ekeki Park to Swali Market in Bayelsa.

These activities are designed to escalate awareness, encourage citizens to check their voter registration status, and provide real-time assistance with registration and PVC replacement.

INEC Bayelsa reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that no eligible voter is left behind and urged citizens to take advantage of the CVR window to obtain their PVCs, the foundation for credible elections.