By our Reporter
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the inclusion of the 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.
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, involving the Social Democratic Party, Dr. Francis Olugbenga Ajala and the Commission.
According to the electoral body, the court ordered it to recognise, accept, upload, process and publish the name and particulars of Ajala as the SDP candidate for the election.
Consequently, INEC said the ballot papers for the governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, are being reproduced to accommodate the SDP candidate.
The inclusion brings the total number of political parties contesting the Osun governorship election to 15.
The Commission also disclosed that the result sheets for the election are being reproduced alongside the ballot papers to reflect the inclusion of the SDP candidate.
INEC stated that the reproduced ballot papers are expected to arrive in Osun State on Thursday, August 13, and will be distributed the same day to Local Government Area offices across the state in line with its standard distribution procedure.
The electoral body assured political parties, candidates and the general public of its commitment to conducting a free, fair and credible governorship election in Osun State.
