The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, warned political parties in Ekiti State, against mobilising underage individuals for the upcoming Continuous Voter Registration, CVR, ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
INEC issued the warning during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Ado-Ekiti, where it announced that the online phase of the CVR would begin on August 18, 2025, while in-person registration will commence on August 25, 2025.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ekiti State, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, expressed the Commission’s commitment to transparency and fairness, adding that it would collaborate with security agencies to ensure a peaceful and credible exercise.
Omoseyindemi warned politicians to shun any plans to mobilise ineligible or underage persons, stating that such individuals—and those who aid them—would face arrest and prosecution.
“Let me reiterate that those not eligible, especially those under 18, should not be mobilised by political parties for the CVR exercise. If they are caught, they will be arrested and prosecuted. Security agencies have been briefed and will be involved. Those attaining voting age must bring their birth certificates to verify their eligibility. Anyone caught presenting fake documents will be arrested,” Omoseyindemi said.
The REC further stated that the CVR exercise will take place across INEC offices in the 16 local government areas of the state, as well as at designated centres, with technology deployed to ensure the process is transparent and in line with electoral guidelines.
According to him, eligible voters include those who have just turned 18, those who have lost their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and individuals seeking transfer or correction of voter information.