The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has restated its stance against underage participation in the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise currently taking place across the country.
Dr. Mutiu Agboke, Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, made the point during The Dialogue, a programme on Dynasty 89.9 FM, Oyo.
He stressed that registration is open strictly to Nigerians who are 18 years and above. While commending the enthusiasm of eligible citizens, Agboke maintained that INEC will not compromise on cases involving underage individuals.
Calling it a criminal offence, he said the Commission will resist all attempts to smuggle minors into the register.
In his words: “the electoral umpire is impressed with the citizens and other relevant stakeholders for mobilizing for civic participation in the exercise.
We have been seeing numbers of teeming underage Nigerians attempting to register in the ongoing registration exercise but we have made it clear that they will not be allowed.
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It is illegal for anyone to encourage underage registration or those below 18 years of age to register in anticipation that they will attain the legal age of voting by the time the general election holds in 2027.”
Agboke appealed to stakeholders to join hands with INEC in discouraging the practice.
Responding to concerns over Osun’s online pre-registration figures, he dismissed the claims as “baseless and unfounded,” crediting the progress to early preparation and active mobilisation under his leadership.
He gave an assurance that: “The commission is ready to conduct a free, fair and credible 2026 Governorship poll in Osun State.”