The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State has warned the public against registering underage individuals and foreigners in the upcoming Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, scheduled to start in August.
Dr. Mutiu Agboke, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), made the warning during a visit to the palace of the Olowu of Kuta, Oba Hammed Adekunle Oyelude Makama, on Wednesday. He stressed that registering minors or non-citizens is a punishable offence under the Electoral Act.
“Don’t allow minors to register. Any foreigner cannot register unless they are legally Nigerian. The registration is free, and nobody should collect money for it,” Agboke said.
The CVR will start online on August 18, with physical registration and biometric capturing beginning on August 25 at INEC offices across Osun State. Agboke urged people to avoid double registration, which is also illegal.
The REC asked the Olowu to encourage his subjects to participate actively, reminding them that without a Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC), citizens cannot vote in elections.
Oba Hammed Adekunle Oyelude Makama expressed his support for the exercise and promised to help spread awareness in his community.
In another meeting, Dr. Agboke sought support from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to help protect electoral officers during the CVR exercise. NSCDC Commandant Sotiyo Emmanuel Igbalawole pledged full cooperation and said officers would be on alert throughout the registration period.
With the 2026 Osun governorship election approaching, INEC is intensifying efforts to ensure a smooth voter registration and secure electoral process in the state.
