The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has added the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Francis Ajala, and his running mate, Faseke Oladipo, to the ballot for the Osun State governorship election.
This raises to 15 the total number of political parties contesting the election, which will be held on Saturday.
INEC said the decision was taken in compliance with the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered on July 22, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/344/2026 between the SDP and Ajala on one hand, and INEC on the other.
INEC said that the court had ordered the Commission to forthwith recognise, accept, upload, process and publish the name and particulars of Ajala as the candidate of the SDP.
“Consequently, the ballot papers for the election, scheduled to hold on Saturday, 15th August 2026, are being reproduced to reflect this addition, bringing to 15 the total number of political parties contesting the election.
“The result sheets for the election are also being reproduced alongside the ballot papers to reflect the inclusion of the SDP candidate,” it said in a statement signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, on August 12, 2026.
The Commission said the reproduced ballot papers would arrive in Osun State on Thursday, August 13, 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.
INEC assured political parties, candidates and the general public of its commitment to conducting a free, fair and credible election in Osun State.
