Osun 2026: INEC adds SDP candidate to ballot

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has added the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate, Dr Francis Olugbenga Ajala, and his running mate, Faseke Babajimi Oladipo, to the ballot for the August 15 Osun State governorship election.

This was contained in a statement issued by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.

The commission said the development followed a judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered on July 22, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/344/2026, directing it to recognise, accept, upload, process and publish Ajala’s name and particulars as the SDP candidate.

INEC said the court order was issued in a suit between the Social Democratic Party and Ajala on one side and the commission on the other.

“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 statement partly read.

The commission added that the result sheets were also being reproduced to reflect the inclusion of the SDP candidate.

INEC said the reproduced ballot papers would arrive in Osun State on Thursday, August 13, and would be distributed the same day to local government area offices across the state in line with its standard procedure.

The commission assured political parties, candidates and the public of its commitment to conducting a free, fair and credible governorship election in Osun State.