Osun election: INEC includes SDP's Ajala in ballot

The Independent National Electoral Commission has added the Social Democratic Party's governorship candidate, Dr. Francis Ajala, and his running mate, Faseke Oladipo, to the ballot for the Osun State governorship election.

The election is set for Saturday, August 15, 2026.

INEC made this move after a judgment from the Federal High Court in Abuja on July 22, 2026. This was in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/344/2026, which involved the SDP, Ajala, and the electoral commission.

The court ordered INEC to “forthwith recognise, accept, upload, process and publish” Ajala's name as the SDP candidate for the election.

In a statement on Wednesday, Mohammed Haruna, the National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, said the ballot papers were being redone to include the court's decision.

This change increases the number of political parties in the election to 15.

INEC also mentioned that the result sheets for the election are being updated to include the SDP candidate.

“The Commission wishes to inform the public that the reproduced ballot papers will arrive in Osun State on Thursday, 13th August 2026. They will be moved to Local Government Area offices across the State on the same day,” the statement said.

INEC said the distribution will follow its standard procedures before the election.

The commission reassured political parties, candidates, and voters of its commitment to a free, fair, and credible election in Osun State.

“The Commission wishes to inform the public of the development,” the statement added, emphasizing that the updated electoral materials would be ready before Saturday’s election.