By Rhoda Godwin Yenagoa
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Bayelsa State has announced the commencement of a rotational deployment of its Voter Enrolment Devices (IVEDs) to Registration Areas (RAs) and wards across the state. The move, which begins Monday, February 2, 2026, is scheduled to run for 50 days and aims to bring voter registration closer to the people.
According to a statement signed by Mrs. Eme Agbor Akpa, Administrative Secretary of INEC Bayelsa, the decision follows repeated requests from residents in remote communities who have faced difficulties accessing Local Government Area (LGA) registration centres. The Commission described the initiative as part of its core mandate to expand access to Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and encourage greater participation in the electoral process.
“The rotation and roving of the IVED machines will cover all 105 wards in Bayelsa State,” the statement read. “This is intended to make registration services more accessible to eligible citizens, particularly those in far-flung communities.”
INEC reminded the public that the ongoing CVR exercise is open only to eligible Nigerians who are 18 years and above and have not previously registered. In addition to enrolling new voters, the exercise provides opportunities for existing voters to transfer their registration, replace lost, defaced, or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and update personal information.
The Commission further advised citizens facing issues with their PVCs to visit the official CVR portal, www.cvr.inecnigeria.org, to seek resolution.
Highlighting the importance of community involvement, INEC called on local leaders, civil society organizations, political parties, and the media to assist in sensitizing residents about the registration process. Stakeholders are urged to leverage the rotational deployment to ensure orderly, peaceful, and efficient registration across the state.
Speaking on the development, an INEC official noted that the roving machines would help reduce the pressure on LGA centres, improve the efficiency of voter registration, and ensure that all eligible residents, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas, can exercise their constitutional right to vote.
With elections in Nigeria drawing closer, INEC Bayelsa’s decision underscores its commitment to inclusivity and the continuous improvement of electoral processes. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the 50-day window to register, update, or correct their voter information.
As Bayelsa State gears up for the deployment of IVEDs to its communities, the Commission reiterated its dedication to a transparent, accessible, and citizen-friendly voter registration process, stressing that every eligible voter has a role to play in shaping the democratic future of the state.
 Bayelsa State has announced the commencement of a rotational deployment of its Voter){kind=link}