Osun Governorship Poll: INEC Adds SDP Candidate to Ballot, Reprints Election Materials

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed the inclusion of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate, Dr Francis Olugbenga Ajala, and his running mate, Faseke Babajimi Oladipo, on the ballot for Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.

The commission said the decision followed a Federal High Court judgment delivered in Abuja on July 22, 2026, directing it to recognise, accept, process, upload and publish Ajala’s name and particulars as the SDP candidate.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

According to the commission, the inclusion of the SDP candidate has increased the number of political parties participating in the August 15 election to 15.

Following the court order, INEC said it has commenced the reproduction of the ballot papers and result sheets to accommodate the SDP candidate.

The commission explained that the decision was necessary to ensure that the election materials accurately reflect all candidates and parties participating in the poll.

INEC said the reproduced ballot papers are expected to arrive in Osun State on Thursday, August 13, two days before the election.

The materials will subsequently be distributed to the various Local Government Area offices across the state in accordance with the commission’s established procedure.

The development comes just days before voters across Osun State are expected to elect their next governor.

The commission’s decision followed a legal dispute over the SDP’s candidate for the election.

The Federal High Court, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/344/2026, involving the Social Democratic Party and Ajala against INEC, ordered the electoral body to recognise and process Ajala’s candidacy.

The development had generated uncertainty around the SDP’s participation in the election, with the party’s National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, previously indicating that the party would challenge INEC’s position in court.

With INEC now confirming Ajala’s inclusion, the commission said it remains committed to ensuring that the election is conducted in accordance with the law.

The electoral body also assured political parties, candidates and voters that it would conduct a free, fair and credible election.

The Osun governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.