The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State has rejected claims that minors were registered as voters in Ede North Local Government Area.
The Commission’s response was contained in a statement signed by its Public Affairs Officer, Musa Olurode, and made available in Osogbo on Monday.
According to the statement, INEC “noted with concern a social media post circulating on Facebook alleging that underage persons dressed in school uniforms were registered as voters at the INEC Local Government Office in Ede North on Friday, 6th February, 2026.”
INEC dismissed the allegation as “false and misleading.”
The statement explained, “While it is correct that some students of YTD Grammar School, Ojoro Ede, Osun State, in uniforms were brought to INEC Ede North Local Government Office on the said date with the intention of registering, the Electoral Officer and other officials on duty, acting in strict compliance with the law, refused them entry into the office premises. Consequently, no underage person was registered.”
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Reaffirming the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2022, the Commission stressed that only Nigerian citizens aged 18 and above are eligible for voter registration and that its officials are under firm instructions to enforce this rule without exception.
INEC further assured residents of Osun State that it will not engage in, condone, or allow any act that could undermine the credibility and integrity of the voter registration exercise.
The Commission urged the public to “disregard the said social media post and to rely on information from official INEC Osun State communication channels for accurate and verified updates on its activities.”
It also called on parents, guardians, school authorities and community leaders to help sensitize young people on the legal requirements for voter registration.
As preparations intensify for the August 8 Osun governorship election, social media platforms have become major channels for election-related information by political actors and individuals.
The incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, from Ede North Local Government Area, is seeking re-election on the platform of the Accord Party.
He is being challenged by candidates of several parties, including Bola Oyebamiji, a former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, who is contesting under the All Progressives Congress.
Also in the race is Dr. Najeem Salaam, a former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, running on the platform of the African Democratic Congress.
