The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has included the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Dr. Francis Olugbenga Ajala and his running mate, Faseke Babajimi Oladipo, on the ballot for the Osun State Governorship Election.
INEC’s National Commissioner, and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, explained in a statement on Wednesday that the action was taken in compliance with the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered on 22nd July 2026 in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/344/2026, between Social Democratic Party and Dr. Francis Olugbenga Ajala on the one hand and the INEC on the other.
Recall that the Court ordered the Commission to forthwith recognise, accept, upload, process and publish the name and particulars of Dr. Francis Olugbenga Ajala as the candidate of the SDP.
Consequently, INEC said the ballot papers for the election, scheduled to hold on Saturday, 15th August 2026, are being reproduced to reflect this addition, bringing to fifteen (15) the total number of political parties contesting the election. Adding that the result sheets for the election are also being reproduced alongside the ballot papers to reflect the inclusion of the SDP candidate.
The Commission informed the public that the reproduced ballot papers would arrive in Osun State on Thursday, 13th August 2026, and would, the same day, be moved to Local Government Area offices across the State, in line with its standard distribution procedure ahead of the election.
INEC assured political parties, candidates, and the general public of its commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible election in Osun State.
