Emmanuel Obi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has added the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Dr Francis Olugbenga Ajala, and his running mate, Faseke Babajimi Oladipo, to the ballot for the August 15 Osun State governorship election.
INEC said the decision followed a Federal High Court judgment delivered in Abuja on July 22, 2026, ordering the commission to recognise Ajala as the SDP candidate for the election.
The judgment, issued in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/344/2026, directed INEC to recognise, accept, upload, process and publish Ajala’s details as the party’s governorship candidate.
Following the court order, the commission said it had begun reproducing ballot papers and result sheets to accommodate the SDP candidate.
The development increases the number of political parties contesting the Osun governorship election to 15.
INEC said the reproduced election materials are expected to arrive in Osun State on Thursday, August 13, after which they will be distributed to the various Local Government Area offices in accordance with its established procedures.
The commission also assured political parties, candidates and voters that it remains committed to conducting a free, fair and credible governorship election in the state.
