News Update
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has denied allegations that underage students were registered for Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Osun State, following the circulation of images showing secondary school students in uniform at a voter registration centre.
The images, which went viral on social media over the weekend, reportedly showed students at an INEC registration point in Ede North Local Government Area on Friday, sparking concerns over the integrity of the ongoing voter registration exercise ahead of the 2026 elections.
Responding to the public outcry, INEC confirmed that the students were brought to its Ede North Local Government office but insisted that none of them was registered.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Commission’s Public Relations Officer in Osun State, Musa Olurode, said INEC officials acted in strict compliance with the law by denying the students access to the registration process.
“While it is correct that some students of YTD Grammar School, Ojoro Ede, Osun State, dressed in school uniforms, were brought to the INEC Ede North Local Government Office with the intention of registering, the Electoral Officer and other officials on duty refused them entry into the office premises,” the statement said.
“Consequently, no underage person was registered.”
INEC stressed 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.
The Commission added that its officials nationwide are under clear instructions to enforce the age requirement without exception.
Reassuring Nigerians of its commitment to credible elections, INEC said the Osun State office, under the leadership of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Mutiu Agboke, would not engage in or tolerate any action capable of undermining the integrity of the voter registration process.
INEC urged members of the public to disregard unverified social media reports and rely on information from its official communication channels.
The Commission also called on parents, school authorities, community leaders, and other stakeholders to help sensitise young people on the legal requirements for voter registration.
INEC reiterated its commitment to carrying out its constitutional responsibilities with transparency, professionalism, and strict adherence to the law.
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