The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has included the candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Dr Francis Olugbenga Ajala, in the reproduction of ballot papers for the Saturday, August 15 Osun State Governorship Election. The ballot paper will also accommodate the running mate, Faseke Babajimi Oladipo, who were excluded from the race before the printing of the ballot papers.

INEC, in a statement by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee at INEC, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, explained that the action was taken in compliance with the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered on 22nd July 2026 in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/344/2026, in a matter between the Social Democratic Party 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 recognize, accept, upload, process and publish the name and particulars of Dr Ajala as the candidate of the SDP for the election.

With the addition of the SDP candidate, the total number of political parties contesting the governorship election ON Saturday now stands at 15.
INEC noted that the result sheets for the election are also being reproduced alongside the ballot papers to reflect the inclusion of the SDP candidate.
The Commission assured political parties, candidates and the general public of its commitment to conducting a free, fair and credible election in Osun State.