Dare Babalola
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has condemned the large turnout of underage Nigerians during the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) exercise.
The Osun INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Mutiu Agboke said this while speaking on a radio programme, The Dialogue on Dynasty 89.9 FM, Oyo.
The REC maintained that while INEC appreciated the turnout of the eligible voters to participate in the exercise, Nigerians under the age of 18 years won’t be allowed to register.
The Osun INEC boss added that underage registration remained a criminal act and the commission will not allow it in whatever guise.
According to him, “the electoral umpire is impressed with the citizens and other relevant stakeholders for mobilizing for civic participation in the exercise.
“We have been seeing a number of teeming underage Nigerians attempting to register in the ongoing registration exercise but we have made it clear that they will not be allowed.
“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 is held in 2027,” he said.
Agboke asked the relevant stakeholders to assist the Commission in addressing underage registration among other challenges.
Speaking on the claims about the figure of the Osun State in the ongoing pre-registration online, he described them as baseless and unfounded.
Agboke attributed the success to the early preparation, sensitisation and mobilisation by the Commission under his watch.
“The commission is ready to conduct a free, fair and credible 2026 Governorship poll in Osun State,” he assured.
