The Independent National Electoral Commission says politicians brought underage students for voter registration in Osun at its Ede North LG office. INEC disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

“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.

“However, 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.

It added that, in line 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 to be registered as voters.

The electoral body said its officials were under clear instructions to enforce the provisions of the Electoral Act without exception.

The statement assured Osun residents that INEC would not engage in or permit any action that could compromise the credibility and integrity of the voter registration process.

“The commission also calls on stakeholders, including parents, guardians, school authorities, and community leaders, to support INEC by sensitising young persons on the legal requirements for voter registration,” the statement said.

(NAN)