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 was taken in compliance with a judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered on July 22, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/344/2026, between the Social Democratic Party and Dr Francis Olugbenga Ajala as plaintiffs and INEC as the defendant.

The court ordered the Commission to forthwith 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, were being reproduced to reflect the inclusion of the SDP candidate.

The development brings to 15 the number of political parties contesting the election.

The Commission also said the result sheets for the election were being reproduced alongside the ballot papers to reflect the addition.

According to INEC, the reproduced ballot papers are expected to arrive in Osun State on Thursday, August 13, 2026, and will be moved to Local Government Area offices across the state the same day, in line with its standard distribution procedure ahead of the election.

The Commission assured political parties, candidates and the general public of its commitment to conducting a free, fair and credible governorship election in Osun State.

The statement was signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, on August 12, 2026.

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