After months of campaigns and preparations by various stakeholders, voters in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states are set to elect their new governors on Saturday.

The Independent National Electoral Commission revealed that 5,169,692 voters collected their permanent voter cards out of the 5,409,438 registered voters in the three states.

In Bayelsa State, there are 1,056,862 registered voters, with 1,017,613 collecting their PVCs, leaving 39,249 uncollected.

In Imo State, out of 2,419,922 registered voters, 2,318,919 collected their PVCs, while 101,003 remain uncollected.

In Kogi State, 1,932,654 are registered voters, with 1,833,160 collecting their PVCs, and 99,494 PVCs uncollected.

In Bayelsa State, Governor Douye Diri is seeking re-election and faces 15 other candidates, with Timipre Sylva of the APC considered a top contender. Other candidates represent Labour Party, ADP, APP, Accord Party, AA, ADC, APGA, APM, Boot Party, NNPP, NRM, PRP, SDP, and ZLP.

The electoral process faces challenges, with incidents of violence reported in the states. However, security agencies have assured voters of their safety during the election.

In Imo State, Governor Hope Uzodimma is contesting against 17 other candidates, including Samuel Anyanwu of the Peoples Democratic Party and Athan Achonu of the Labour Party. Other candidates include representatives from Accord Party, Action Alliance, African Action Congress, African Democratic Congress, Action Democratic Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance, Allied Peoples Movement, Action Peoples Party, Boot Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, National Rescue Movement, People’s Redemption Party, Social Democratic Party, Young Progressives Party, and Zenith Labour Party.

Kogi State sees a competitive race with candidates from APC, PDP, SDP, ADC, Labour Party, ZLP, NNPP, Boot Party, APP, APGA, APM, ADP, Action Alliance, New Nigeria Peoples Party, National Rescue Movement, People’s Redemption Party, Social Democratic Party, and Zenith Labour Party.

The elections are crucial, with each state having its unique political dynamics. As voters cast their ballots, the outcome will determine the leadership of these states and the direction of their governance for the next term.