The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a stern warning to political parties in Ekiti State, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), against mobilising underage individuals for the upcoming Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
INEC gave the warning on Tuesday 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.
Bunmi Omoseyindemi, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ekiti State, said the Commission is committed to transparency and fairness, and would collaborate with security agencies to ensure a peaceful and credible exercise.
He cautioned political actors to desist from 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 explained 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.
“The CVR exercise is critical to deepening our democracy. It provides an opportunity for eligible citizens to be captured in the National Register of Voters, and also allows for transfers, corrections of personal details, and replacement of lost or damaged PVCs,” he added.
The State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Oluwakemi Akomolede, echoed the call for credible participation, stating that the agency would intensify public enlightenment efforts to ensure wide awareness.
“We are committed to sensitising the public on the importance of the CVR as a pathway to increased electoral participation,” she said, urging political parties and civil society organisations to support mobilisation efforts.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the APC in Ekiti State, Sola Elesin, commended INEC for the planned CVR, noting that the party had activated internal structures to mobilise eligible members and encourage voter registration ahead of the June 20, 2026, election.
