The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Osun State, has dismissed as false and misleading a social media post alleging that underage persons dressed in school uniforms were registered as voters at the INEC Local Government Office in Ede North Local Government area of the state.
The commission, in a statement issued by its Public Affairs Officer, Musa Olurode, said it noted with concern the allegation circulating on Facebook and categorically refuted the claim.
INEC confirmed 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 on the said date with the intention of registering.
However, the Electoral Officer and other officials on duty, acting strictly in compliance with the law, denied them entry into the office premises.
Consequently, the commission stressed that no underage person was registered. INEC reiterated that, in accordance with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2022, only Nigerian citizens who have attained the age of 18 years are eligible to be registered as voters.
Officials of the commission, it added, are under clear instructions to enforce this provision without exception.
The commission assured the people of the state that INEC Osun State, under the leadership of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, will 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 rely only on information disseminated through official INEC Osun State communication channels for accurate and verified updates.
The commission also called on parents, guardians, school authorities, and community leaders to support its efforts by sensitising young persons on the legal requirements for voter registration.
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to discharging its statutory responsibilities with transparency, professionalism, and strict adherence to the law.
