By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has commenced the reproduction of ballot papers and results sheets for the Osun State governorship election to accommodate the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Dr Francis Olugbenga Ajala, and his running mate, Faseke Babajimi Oladipo.
The commission disclosed this in a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, INEC, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.
The statement, titled ‘Inclusion of SDP Candidate on the Ballot for the Osun State Governorship Election,’ was posted on the commission’s official X handle on Wednesday, August 12.
INEC said the action was taken in compliance with the judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered on July 22, 2026, in suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/344/2026, in a matter between the SDP and Dr Francis Olugbenga Ajala on one hand, and INEC on the other.
According to the statement, the court had ordered the commission to forthwith recognise, accept, upload, process and publish the name and particulars of Dr Ajala as the candidate of the SDP for the governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15.
“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 result sheets for the election are also being reproduced alongside the ballot papers to reflect the inclusion of the SDP candidate.
“The Commission wishes to inform the public that the reproduced ballot papers will arrive in Osun State on Thursday, 13th August 2026, and will, same day, be moved to Local Government Area offices across the state, in line with its standard distribution procedure ahead of the election,” the statement read.
The electoral commission also assured political parties, candidates and the general public of its commitment to conducting a free, fair and credible election in Osun State.
