By Rhoda Godwin Yenagoa
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday took its voter registration and update services directly to Kpansia Market in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, in a move aimed at making voter enrolment more accessible to eligible citizens.
The market outreach, part of INEC’s ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, enabled traders and residents to register for the first time, correct personal details, and transfer their voter registration without disrupting their daily economic activities. I
NEC officials were strategically stationed across the busy market to attend to prospective registrants and provide voter education.
Speaking with journalists after the exercise, Mr. Chris Utong, Head of Voter Education and Publicity at INEC Bayelsa State, said the initiative was designed to bridge the gap between voter education and actual participation.
“This outreach demonstrates in practice what we have been telling the public on radio, television and in newspapers,” Utong said. “We understand that many citizens are willing to register but are constrained by time and the demands of their businesses. Bringing these services to the market removes that barrier.”
He stressed that the exercise underscores INEC’s commitment to inclusion and convenience, noting that voter participation remains central to democratic governance.
“Your vote is your power, and access should not be a barrier,” he added. “People can register, make corrections, or transfer their registration here without abandoning their goods. A credible election begins with accurate registration.”
Traders at Kpansia Market welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and citizen-friendly. Many used the opportunity to ask questions about the registration process and the requirements for completing Permanent Voter Card (PVC) documentation, while others commended INEC for bringing its services closer to the people.
The Kpansia Market exercise is part of a broader set of activities by INEC Bayelsa State to strengthen the electoral process. In recent months, the Commission has intensified CVR across designated centres, held stakeholder engagements with traditional rulers, youth groups, women associations and civil society organizations, and expanded voter education and sensitization campaigns across the state.
INEC has also continued to emphasize peaceful participation, accurate voter data and early registration as critical components of credible elections.
In further efforts to improve access, the Commission has approved the rotation and roving of the INEC Voter Enrolment Device (IVED) machines to Registration Areas (RAs) and ward levels across the state. According to INEC, the CVR data-capturing machines will be deployed on a rotational basis across the 105 wards in Bayelsa State for 50 days, beginning Monday, February 2, 2026.
The decision followed repeated appeals from members of the public, particularly from far-flung communities, who have faced difficulties accessing Local Government Area registration centres.
“INEC remains committed to inclusion, convenience and transparency,” Utong said. “We encourage all eligible citizens to take advantage of the continuous voter registration and ensure their details are accurate ahead of future elections.”
