By Eunice Nnachi, Yenagoa
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the resumption of the third and final phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Bayelsa State, calling on eligible residents to take advantage of what it described as the last opportunity to register before the next general elections.
In a statement issued in Yenagoa, the state capital, INEC disclosed that the exercise will commence on Monday, May 11, 2026, and run through Friday, July 10, 2026. Registration activities will be conducted daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, at all INEC local government offices across the state’s eight LGAs.
The commission explained that the exercise will involve both online pre-registration and physical, in-person biometric capture. It added that registration will also be extended to various registration areas and wards on a rotational basis to ensure wider access for residents, particularly those in remote communities.
According to the statement signed by Awajionyi C. N. Utong, Deputy Director and Head of Voter Education, Publicity, Gender and Inclusivity in INEC Bayelsa State, the CVR exercise is designed to accommodate first-time registrants as well as voters seeking to transfer their registration, correct personal details, or replace lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
Utong emphasized that the third phase represents the final registration window ahead of the general elections, noting that the process will be suspended nationwide after the July 10 deadline. He urged all eligible citizens who have yet to register not to delay, stressing that failure to do so would mean exclusion from participating in the electoral process.
INEC also appealed to political parties, civil society organizations, the media, traditional and religious leaders, and other stakeholders to support the exercise and help mobilize citizens to participate peacefully.
The commission reassured residents of its commitment to conducting a transparent, inclusive, and efficient registration process, adding that necessary arrangements have been put in place to manage the expected turnout.
Recall that INEC had earlier conducted previous phases of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise across the country as part of efforts to expand the voter register and enhance participation in Nigeria’s democratic process.
