INEC Debunks Claims of Underage Voter Registration in Ede North, Osun

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State has dismissed claims that underage individuals were registered as voters in Ede North Local Government Area.

In a statement signed by the state’s Public Affairs Officer, Musa Olurode, the commission described as “false and misleading” a social media post alleging that students in school uniforms were registered at the INEC office on Friday, February 6, 2026.

The statement clarified that while some students of YTD Grammar School, Ojoro, Ede, visited the INEC office intending to register, the Electoral Officer and staff strictly enforced the law and refused them entry. Consequently, no underage person was registered.

INEC emphasized that, under the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2022, only Nigerian citizens aged 18 and above are eligible for voter registration, and its officials are mandated to uphold this rule without exception.

The commission also urged members of the public, including parents, guardians, and school authorities, to educate young people about the legal requirements for voter registration.

As the August 8 Osun Governorship election approaches, social media has increasingly become a tool for spreading unverified information. The incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, seeks re-election and will face challengers including Bola Oyebamiji (APC) and Dr Najeem Salaam (ADC).

INEC assured residents that it would not condone any action that could compromise the credibility of the voter registration process and urged the public to rely solely on official communications from INEC Osun State.