The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State has dismissed allegations that underage persons were registered as voters in the hometown of Governor Ademola Adeleke, the Accord Party candidate in the August 8, 2026 governorship election.

The commission expressed concern over a social media post circulating on Facebook, which alleged that underage persons dressed in school uniforms were registered at the INEC Local Government Office in Ede North on Friday, February 6, 2026.

In a statement signed by Musa Olurode, Public Affairs Officer to the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mutiu Agboke, INEC described the claim as false and misleading.

“The Commission wishes to categorically refute this allegation as false and misleading. While it is correct 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, 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 said.

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 for voter registration.

“The Commission’s officials are under clear instructions to enforce this provision without exception,” it added.

The commission assured residents of Osun State that INEC, under the leadership of the REC, Mutiu Agboke, would not engage in, condone or permit any act 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 solely on official INEC Osun State communication channels for accurate and verified information on its activities.

The commission also called on stakeholders—including parents, guardians, school authorities and community leaders—to support voter education by sensitising young persons on the legal requirements for voter registration.

“INEC remains committed to discharging all its statutory responsibilities with transparency, professionalism and strict adherence to the law,” the statement reads.