- INEC had confirmed that no underage persons were registered in Ede North Local Government Area on 6 February 2026
- Students who arrived in school uniforms were denied registration in strict compliance with voter eligibility laws
- The Commission had urged the public to rely on official communication for accurate information ahead of upcoming elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State has dismissed circulating social media allegations that underage persons were registered as voters in Ede North Local Government Area.
The claims, which appeared on Facebook, suggested that schoolchildren dressed in uniforms were registered at the INEC Local Government Office in Ede North on Friday, 6 February 2026.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Public Affairs Officer, Musa Olurode, on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Mutiu Agboke, INEC described the allegations as “false and misleading.” The Commission emphasised that no underage person was registered at the office on the stated date.
INEC confirmed that some students from YTD Grammar School, Ojoro, Ede, did arrive at the Ede North office in school uniforms with the intention of registering as voters. However, officials on duty denied them access in strict compliance with the law and voter registration guidelines.
“The Electoral Officer and other officials, acting in strict compliance with the law, refused them entry into the office premises. Consequently, no underage person was registered,” the statement said.
The Commission reiterated that only Nigerian citizens who have attained the age of 18 are eligible for voter registration, in line with the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and the Electoral Act, 2022. INEC further stated that all officials have been instructed to enforce this requirement without exception across the state.
Dr Agboke’s office assured residents that under his leadership, the Osun State INEC office would not “engage in, condone or permit any action capable of compromising the credibility and integrity of the voter registration process.”
INEC urged members of the public to disregard the social media post and instead rely on official communication channels for accurate information. The Commission also called on parents, school authorities, and community leaders to sensitise young persons about the legal requirements for voter registration.
This clarification comes amid heightened public attention on electoral preparedness ahead of upcoming elections, highlighting the Commission’s commitment to maintaining transparency and upholding legal standards in voter registration.