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.
The development brings to 15 the number of political parties contesting the election, scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.
INEC said the decision followed a judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja on July 22, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/344/2026, involving the SDP and Ajala as plaintiffs and INEC as the defendant.
According to the Commission, the court ordered it to “forthwith recognise, accept, upload, process and publish” Ajala’s name and particulars as the SDP’s governorship 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 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,” INEC said in a statement signed on Wednesday by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee.
The Commission said the reproduced ballot papers would arrive in Osun State on Thursday, August 13, and be distributed the same day to local government area offices across the state in line with its standard procedures ahead of the election.
INEC reiterated its commitment to conducting a free, fair and credible governorship election in Osun State.
