By Omeiza Ajayi
ABUJA: The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC said it has commenced the reproduction of ballot papers for the Osun State Governorship Election to accommodate the candidate of the Social Democratic Party SDP, Dr Francis Olugbenga Ajala, and his running mate, Faseke Babajimi Oladipo, who have now been added to the ballot.
In a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee at INEC, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the Commission said 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, in a matter between the Social Democratic Party and Dr Francis Olugbenga Ajala on one hand, and INEC on the other.
According to the statement, the court had ordered the Commission to forthwith recognise, accept, upload, process and publish the name and particulars of Dr Ajala as the candidate of the SDP for the election.
“The Commission wishes to inform the public that the reproduced ballot papers will arrive in Osun State on Thursday, 13th August 2026, and will, same day, be moved to Local Government Area offices across the State, in line with its standard distribution procedure ahead of the election,” the statement read.
With the addition of the SDP candidate, the total number of political parties contesting the governorship election, scheduled for Saturday, 15th August 2026, now stands at 15.
INEC noted 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 assured political parties, candidates and the general public of its commitment to conducting a free, fair and credible election in Osun State.
