The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that some politicians attempted to register underage students as voters at its Ede North Local Government office in Osun State, describing the act as a violation of electoral laws.
INEC made the revelation in a statement issued on Monday, confirming that students of YTD Grammar School, Ojoro, Ede, dressed in school uniforms, were brought to the commission’s office with the intention of enrolling them as eligible voters.
“While it is correct that some students of YTD Grammar School, Ojoro, Ede, Osun State, in uniforms were brought to the INEC Ede North Local Government office on the said date, they were brought with the intention of registering them as voters,” the commission stated.
INEC, however, said its officials acted promptly and in strict compliance with the law by denying the students access to the registration facility.
“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,” the statement added.
The commission emphasised that, under the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2022, only Nigerian citizens who have attained the age of 18 years are qualified to be registered as voters.
INEC further noted that its officers are under clear directives to enforce the provisions of the Electoral Act without exception, stressing that any attempt to compromise the process would be firmly resisted.
Assuring residents of Osun State of its commitment to credible elections, the commission said it would not permit any action capable of undermining the integrity of the voter registration exercise.
INEC also called on stakeholders, including parents, guardians, school authorities, and community leaders, to assist in sensitising young persons on the legal requirements for voter registration and the importance of respecting electoral laws.
The commission maintained that safeguarding the credibility of the process remains central to sustaining public trust in Nigeria’s democratic system.
