INEC Osun Debunks Claims of Underage Voter Registration in Ede North

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Osun State, has dismissed allegations circulating online that underage students were registered as voters in Ede North Local Government Area.

The claims, widely shared on Facebook, suggested that schoolchildren in uniforms were registered at the INEC local office on Friday, February 6, 2026.

In a statement issued in Osogbo, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, through Public Affairs Officer Musa Olurode, described the report as false and misleading.

INEC confirmed that students from YTD Grammar School, Ojoro, Ede, did visit the office intending to register but were denied access in compliance with existing laws and 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 aged 18 and above are eligible for voter registration, in line with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022. Officials have been instructed to enforce the age requirement without exception.

Dr. Agboke assured residents that the Osun State office would not condone any activity capable of compromising the credibility and integrity of the voter registration process.

INEC urged the public to disregard the social media claims and rely only on official INEC communication channels, while also calling on parents, school authorities, and community leaders to educate youths about legal voter registration requirements.