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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has included Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate Dr Francis Olugbenga Ajala and his running mate, Faseke Babajimi Oladipo, on the ballot for the Osun State governorship election.
The move has increased the number of political parties contesting in the Saturday election.
In a statement released on X and signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, the commission said that it took the decision in compliance with a National High Court judgment delivered in Abuja on July 22, 2026.
The case, filed under Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/344/2026, involved the SDP and Ajala against INEC.
According to the Commission, the court ordered it to recognise, accept, upload, process and publish Ajala’s name and particulars as the SDP candidate.
INEC said it is now reproducing the ballot papers and result sheets to include the SDP candidate.
“Consequently, the ballot papers for the election, scheduled to hold on Saturday, 15th August 2026, are being reproduced to reflect this addition, bringing to fifteen (15) the total number of political parties contesting the election,” the Commission said.
The reproduced ballot papers are expected to arrive in Osun State on Thursday, two days before the election.
INEC said the materials will be moved to local government area offices across the state on the same day, in line with its standard distribution procedure.
The Commission has assured political parties, candidates and voters of its commitment to conducting a free, fair and credible election.
INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION
PRESS STATEMENT
INCLUSION OF SDP CANDIDATE ON THE BALLOT FOR OSUN STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) wishes to inform the public that the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for… pic.twitter.com/1UYYajNFZa
— INEC Nigeria (@inecnigeria) August 12, 2026
