The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has condemned the surge of underage applicants at its ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), labeling such attempts as unacceptable.
Dr. Mutiu Agboke, Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, voiced the commission’s stance during a segment on The Dialogue on Dynasty 89.9 FM, Oyo.
He emphasized that only Nigerians aged 18 and above are eligible for voter registration. “We have been seeing numbers of teeming underage Nigerians attempting to register in the ongoing registration exercise,” Dr. Agboke said, assuring, “but we have made it clear that they will not be allowed.”
He reiterated the criminal nature of underage registration: “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.”
Dr. Agboke also expressed appreciation for civic engagement, acknowledging the efforts of citizens and stakeholders in driving voter participation: “The electoral umpire is impressed with the citizens and other relevant stakeholders for mobilizing for civic participation in the exercise.”
Addressing circulating figures regarding Osun State’s pre-registration numbers, Agboke dismissed them as “baseless and unfounded,” attributing the CVR success to the Commission’s early preparedness, public sensitisation, and mobilization strategies. He further stated confidently, “The commission is ready to conduct a free, fair and credible 2026 Governorship poll in Osun State.”
