INEC Adds SDP Candidate to Osun Ballot, Puts Contesting Parties at 15

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has included the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Dr Francis Olugbenga Ajala, and his running mate, Faseke Babajimi Oladipo, on the ballot for Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.

The development brings to 15 the number of political parties participating in the August 15 election.

INEC announced the inclusion in a statement issued on Wednesday by the National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.

The commission said the decision followed an order of the Federal High Court in Abuja directing it to recognise, accept, process and publish Ajala’s candidature for the election.

The judgment was delivered on July 22, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/344/2026, filed by the SDP and Ajala against INEC.

“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 commission said.

INEC added that the result sheets for the election were also being reproduced to reflect the inclusion of the SDP candidate.

The commission said the newly reproduced ballot papers were expected to arrive in Osun State on Thursday, August 13, and would be moved to the various local government area offices the same day in line with its standard distribution procedure.

The late inclusion of the SDP candidate comes just two days before the governorship poll, which is expected to be keenly contested among the participating political parties.

INEC, however, assured political parties, candidates and voters that the electoral process remained on course and that it would conduct a free, fair and credible election.

The commission’s action follows the Federal High Court’s directive requiring it to recognise Ajala as the SDP candidate and publish his particulars for the election.

With the revised ballot papers and result sheets now being produced, electoral officials will have to ensure that the updated materials are distributed to the relevant locations ahead of Saturday’s voting.

INEC reiterated its commitment to complying with court orders and ensuring that all eligible candidates recognised by law are reflected in the electoral process.