The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has firmly denied recent allegations circulating on social media claiming that underage students were registered as voters in Osun State.
The commission described the viral reports as misleading, emphasizing that all voter registration activities are conducted in strict compliance with the law.
According to Mr. Musa Olurode, INEC’s spokesperson in Osun State, the video that surfaced online showing students supposedly being enrolled at the Ede North Local Government Office was a misrepresentation of events.
“The Commission wishes to categorically refute these claims as false and misleading,” Olurode stated in a Monday press release.
The incident involved some students of YTD Grammar School, Ojoro Ede, who reportedly visited the INEC office dressed in school uniforms with the intention of registering as voters.
However, the Electoral Officer on duty, along with other INEC staff, acted promptly to prevent any underage individual from being registered.
“In accordance with the Electoral Act 2022 and the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), only Nigerian citizens who have attained the age of 18 years are eligible to be registered as voters,” Olurode explained.
INEC’s commitment to lawful and credible voter registration processes in Osun State was further underscored by the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Mutiu Agboke.
Dr. Agboke has directed all officials to exercise strict vigilance during voter registration exercises, ensuring that no underage voters are allowed to register under any circumstances.
This directive aligns with INEC’s broader mission of protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process and maintaining public confidence in the commission’s operations.
The spokesperson highlighted that the commission’s staff are professionally trained to verify the age of prospective voters and ensure that the law is fully enforced.
Any attempt by underage individuals to register is immediately rejected, and proper records are maintained to reflect compliance with legal requirements.
“Consequently, no underage person was registered in Ede North Local Government Area,” Olurode stressed.
Public concern over voter registration integrity has increased in recent weeks, with social media platforms amplifying claims that INEC officials have registered ineligible individuals.
In response, the commission has urged members of the public to rely on official communication channels for accurate information regarding its operations in Osun State and across Nigeria.
Official sources include INEC’s verified social media accounts, press releases, and public statements issued by the Resident Electoral Commissioner.
INEC’s proactive approach in handling such allegations demonstrates its ongoing commitment to transparency.
The commission has repeatedly assured Nigerians that it will not condone or participate in any activity that could compromise the credibility of the voter registration process.
In line with this, the leadership in Osun State has established protocols to monitor registration centers closely, ensuring that every registration adheres to the standards set forth in the Electoral Act 2022.
Experts in electoral matters have commended INEC for its diligence in preventing underage registration.
They note that safeguarding the voter registry is critical to the credibility of elections and to fostering public trust in democratic processes.
By strictly enforcing age eligibility requirements, INEC in Osun State ensures that only qualified citizens participate in shaping the political future of the country.
The commission also reaffirmed that any allegations suggesting otherwise are unfounded and could potentially mislead the public.
Mr. Olurode specifically requested that citizens disregard the misleading social media reports and instead seek verified updates from INEC’s official platforms.
“The people of Osun State can rest assured that INEC under Dr. Mutiu Agboke will continue to maintain high standards of integrity in all voter registration activities,” Olurode added.
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