Ekiti 2026 Guber: INEC warns political parties against registering minors

By Idowu Adebomi, Ado Ekiti

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a firm warning to political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and People’s Democratic Party (PDP), cautioning them against registering minors ahead of the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State.

Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State, Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi, made this known in Ado-Ekiti while addressing stakeholders, party representatives, and civil society organisations on the upcoming Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which precedes the state’s next gubernatorial poll.

Omoseyindemi stated that the Commission would prosecute any individual found attempting to register ineligible persons, adding that the involvement of security agencies had already been secured to ensure compliance with the law.

He confirmed that online registration would begin on 18 August 2025, with physical registration at INEC offices and designated centres across the state commencing on 25 August 2025. The exercise will be held in all 16 local government areas.

“Eligible citizens are encouraged to use this opportunity to register ahead of the 2026 governorship election and subsequent polls. This exercise will take place at our offices and selected centres across the state. Political parties and civil society groups should help drive awareness among the public,” he said.

Omoseyindemi also noted that the Commission would be deploying technology to guarantee the transparency and credibility of the registration process. He stressed that only specific categories of persons are eligible to register, including those who have just turned 18, those who have lost their PVCs, or those seeking a transfer of registration.

He explained, “The CVR exercise is essential to strengthening democracy. It allows eligible citizens who just attained voting age, or who haven’t previously registered, to be captured in the National Register of Voters. It also provides room for transfers, corrections of personal details, and replacement of lost or damaged cards.”

The commissioner reminded political parties of their responsibility to educate their members and supporters about the importance of registering and participating in the electoral process. He maintained that anyone who attempts to register minors or presents falsified documents would face legal consequences.

“Let me make it clear that underage individuals must not be mobilised for the CVR. Anyone caught doing so will be arrested and prosecuted. All intending registrants claiming to have reached voting age must present birth certificates or valid age verification. Any falsified documents will lead to arrest,” he said.

Also speaking, the State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Oluwakemi Akomolede, said the voter registration exercise was vital to democratic consolidation in the state. She assured that the agency would allocate resources to ensure adequate public sensitisation and called on political actors and civic groups to intensify efforts to encourage eligible citizens to register.

Chairman of the APC in Ekiti, Sola Elesin, welcomed the move by INEC, saying the party had already initiated plans to mobilise its members and other qualified residents to take part in the CVR, ahead of the 20 June 2026 governorship election.