The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State has denied claims that underage persons were registered as voters in the hometown of Gov. Ademola Adeleke, the Accord Party candidate in the Aug. 8, 2026, governorship election.
The commission was responding to a Facebook post alleging that underage persons dressed in school uniforms were registered at the INEC local government office in Ede North on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026.
In a statement, INEC described the claim as false and misleading.
The statement, signed by Musa Olurode, public affairs officer to the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mutiu Agboke, said some students of YTD Grammar School, Ojoro Ede, arrived at the Ede North office in school uniforms with the intention of registering.
However, the statement said electoral officials, acting in line with the law, denied them access to the premises.
“Consequently, no underage person was registered,” the commission said.
INEC said the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and the Electoral Act 2022 restrict voter registration to Nigerian citizens who are at least 18 years old.
It added that its officials have clear instructions to enforce the provision without exception.
The commission assured residents that it would not engage in or permit any action capable of undermining the credibility of the voter registration process.
INEC urged the public to disregard the social media post and rely on its official Osun State communication channels for accurate information.
It also called on parents, guardians, school authorities and community leaders to support voter education by sensitizing young people on the legal requirements for voter registration.
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, professionalism and strict adherence to the law.
