Ahead of 2027: INEC Begins Continuous Voters Registration Exercise in Bayelsa August 18
By Majesty Inegbagha
Ahead of the 2027 general election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced its commencement of continuous voters’ registration exercise in Bayelsa state beginning from August 18, 2025.
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| Mallam. Isah Shaka Ehimeakhe, Bayelsa INEC Boss |
The Bayelsa State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mallam. Isah Shaka Ehimeakhe officially disclosed this on Monday, at a press briefing held at INEC Staff Headquarters, Yenagoa, on the resumption of the exercise across the state.
He said registration will begin on August 18 for online Pre-registration via the official INEC portal, as this will enable eligible citizens to fill an application form and upload their details online; and thereafter validate their registration at any of the approved designated centres.
The REC further maintained that the exercise would afford those registered voters who wish to change their voting locations, update their information or replace their lost or damaged PVCs via the portal.
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| INEC team in Bayelsa State. |
INEC boss in the state, said emphatically that individuals below the legal voting age of 18 aren’t permitted by law to register as voters.
“The rules are clear. Only Nigerian citizens aged 18 and above at the time of registration are eligible to register.
“Registering Minors is both illegal and unethical. It undermines the integrity of the electoral system, violates the constitution and constitutes an offense, and there are consequences,” he warned.
According to him “Voter registration isn’t only a fundamental right, but also a duty of every eligible citizen of Nigeria. No individual can vote in an election unless they’re duly registered to do so.
He enjoined all Nigerians who have attained the age of 18 and haven’t yet registered to seize this opportunity to go and register, saying that “Your permanent voter’s card(PVC) is your voice and power. Without it, you’re excluded from the nation-building process and decision-making.
“The right to register and vote is guaranteed under section 77(2) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) which states: ” Every citizen of Nigeria who has attained the age of eighteen years residing in Nigeria at the time of registration of voters for purposes of election to a legislative house shall be entitled to be registered as a voter.
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| A cross- section of the Press. |
On the issue of double registration, INEC warned saying that “Double registration is an attempt by an individual to register more than once, and therefore remains a serious concern. Once you’ve been issued a PVC or previously completed the registration process, you don’t need to register again. Attempting to do so is an offense punishable under the law. Specifically, section 114(b) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits double registration.
“Penalties for double registration include a fine, imprisonment or both. However, it’s important to note that INEC ‘s automated biometric identification system(ABIS) is designed to detect multiple registrations, and flag individuals who attempt to register more than once”.
The REC appealed to all stakeholders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, political parties, youth and women groups, civil society organizations, the media and community heads to support and promote this voter registration drive.
“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 averred.
According to him “INEC’s Automated Biometric Identification System is designed to detect multiple registrations and flag individuals who attempt to register more than once.”
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