The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has added the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Francis Ajala, and his running mate, Faseke Oladipo, to the ballot for Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.
The development brings the total number of political parties contesting the election to 15.
INEC said the decision followed a judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja on July 22, 2026, in a suit involving the SDP and Ajala against the electoral commission.
According to INEC, the court ordered it to recognise, accept, upload, process and publish Ajala’s name and particulars as the SDP governorship candidate.
Ballot Papers to Be Reproduced
INEC said it had commenced the reproduction of the ballot papers and result sheets to reflect the inclusion of the SDP candidate.
“Consequently, the ballot papers for the election, scheduled to hold on Saturday, 15th August 2026, are being reproduced to reflect this addition, bringing to 15 the total number of political parties contesting the election,” the commission said.
The statement was signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, on August 12.
INEC also said the result sheets would be reproduced alongside the ballot papers to reflect the addition of the SDP candidate.
The commission explained that the newly reproduced ballot papers would arrive in Osun State on Thursday, August 13, before being distributed to local government area offices across the state in line with its standard procedure.
The development comes just days before the governorship election, as INEC continues preparations for the poll.
The commission assured political parties, candidates and residents of its commitment to conducting a free, fair and credible election in Osun State.
