The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has added the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the Osun State Governorship Election, Dr. Francis Olugbenga Ajala, and his running mate, Faseke Babajimi Oladipo, to the ballot for the election.
The development follows a judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered on July 22, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/344/2026, involving the Social Democratic Party and Dr. Francis Olugbenga Ajala against INEC.
In a statement issued by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, the Commission said the move was in compliance with the court order directing it to recognise, accept, upload, process and publish Ajala’s name and particulars as the SDP governorship candidate.
INEC said ballot papers for the election, scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, are being reproduced to reflect the addition. The development brings the total number of political parties contesting the election to 15.
The Commission also said the result sheets for the election are being reproduced alongside the ballot papers to reflect the inclusion of the SDP candidate.
According to INEC, the reproduced ballot papers will arrive in Osun State on Thursday, August 13, 2026, and will be distributed the same day to Local Government Area offices across the state in line with its standard distribution procedure ahead of the election.
The Commission assured political parties, candidates and the general public of its commitment to conducting a free, fair and credible governorship election in Osun State.
