Chinwe Odita, Lagos
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has included the candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Dr. Francis Olugbenga Ajala, and his running mate, Faseke Babajimi Oladipo, on the ballot for Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.
The Commission announced the development in a statement on Tuesday signed by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.
INEC 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 between the Social Democratic Party and Dr. Francis Olugbenga Ajala, and the Independent National Electoral Commission.
According to the Commission, the court ordered INEC 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.”
In compliance, INEC said ballot papers for the August 15 election are being reprinted to reflect the addition, bringing to 15 the total number of political parties contesting the poll.
Result sheets for the election are also being reproduced alongside the ballots to include the SDP candidate.
“The reproduced ballot papers will arrive in Osun State on Thursday, 13th August 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,” the statement said.
The Commission reassured political parties, candidates and voters of its commitment to a free, fair and credible election in Osun State.
