The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has included the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate, Dr Francis Ajala, and his running mate, Faseke Oladipo, in the ballot for the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election.

The commission said the decision followed a judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered on July 22, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/344/2026 involving the SDP, Ajala and INEC.

The court directed the electoral commission to recognise, accept, upload, process and publish the name and particulars of Ajala as the SDP candidate for the governorship election.

INEC said it had consequently commenced the process of reproducing the ballot papers and result sheets to reflect the inclusion of the SDP candidate.

Number of candidates rises to 15

The latest development has increased the number of political parties participating in the Osun governorship election to 15.

The inclusion of Ajala follows the court ruling, which requires INEC to recognise his candidacy and provide the necessary electoral materials for his participation in the poll.

The commission said the adjustment would ensure that the election materials comply with the court’s directive ahead of Saturday’s election.

The development also means voters in Osun State will have an additional candidate and political party to choose from when they cast their ballots.

INEC reproduces ballot papers, result sheets

In a statement issued by the National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, the commission said the ballot papers were being reproduced to accommodate the court-ordered inclusion.

INEC said the result sheets were also being reproduced to reflect the participation of Ajala and the SDP.

The commission explained that the updated materials would be distributed across the state in accordance with its established procedures.

The move is expected to ensure that electoral officials have the correct materials before voting begins on Saturday.

Updated materials to arrive Osun Thursday

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

According to the commission, the materials would be moved to Local Government Area offices across the state on the same day.

The distribution will be carried out in line with INEC’s standard procedures for the deployment of sensitive electoral materials ahead of elections.

The commission said the process was being undertaken to ensure full compliance with the Federal High Court judgment.

INEC assures parties, voters of credible poll

The electoral commission assured political parties, candidates and voters that it remained committed to conducting a free, fair and credible election in Osun State.

INEC said the updated electoral materials would be deployed ahead of Saturday’s poll following the inclusion of the SDP candidate.

The commission’s latest decision comes as political parties and candidates intensify their campaigns and mobilisation efforts across the state ahead of the election.

The Osun governorship election is expected to be closely contested, with the inclusion of Ajala adding another candidate to the race as voters prepare to elect the state’s next governor.