By John Dike, Osogbo
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the inclusion of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate, Dr. Francis Olugbenga Ajala, on the ballot for Saturday’s Osun State governorship election, following a Federal High Court judgment.
The electoral body disclosed this in a press release issued on Wednesday by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.
According to INEC, Dr. Ajala and his running mate, Faseke Babajimi Oladipo, have now been formally added to the ballot in compliance with the judgment of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.
The Commission explained that the decision followed the court’s ruling delivered on July 22, 2026, in Suit No.
FHC/ABJ/CS/344/2026, between the Social Democratic Party and Dr. Francis Olugbenga Ajala on one hand, and the Independent National Electoral Commission on the other.
INEC stated that the court directed it to “forthwith recognise, accept, upload, process and publish the name and particulars of Dr. Francis Olugbenga Ajala as the candidate of the Social Democratic Party.”
Consequently, the Commission said it had commenced the reproduction of ballot papers to accommodate the SDP candidate, adding that the election would now feature a total of 15 political parties.
It also disclosed that election result sheets are being reprinted alongside the ballot papers to reflect the inclusion of the SDP candidate and ensure uniformity in all election materials.
INEC assured political parties, candidates and stakeholders that the exercise would not affect preparations for the August 15 governorship election.
The Commission further announced that the newly printed ballot papers would arrive in Osun State on Thursday, August 13, and would immediately be distributed to the various Local Government Area offices across the state in line with its standard election logistics procedure.
The development comes barely two days before the governorship election, as the electoral umpire intensifies final preparations for the poll.
Political observers believe the inclusion of the SDP candidate will widen the electoral contest by increasing the number of participating political parties to 15, following the court’s intervention.
Despite the last-m
inute adjustment, INEC expressed confidence in its operational readiness, assuring voters that all necessary arrangements had been put in place for a smooth electoral process.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to conducting a free, fair and credible governorship election in Osun State, urging political parties, candidates and the electorate to continue to cooperate with election officials and abide by the provisions of the Electoral Act.
With the arrival and immediate distribution of the reprinted ballot papers expected on Thursday, attention now shifts to the successful deployment of sensitive election materials ahead of Saturday’s governorship election across the state’s 30 local government areas and Area Office.
