Osun Poll: INEC Adds SDP Candidates Ajala, Running mate to Ballot

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has added the Social Democratic Party governorship candidate, Dr Francis Ajala, and his running mate, Faseke Oladipo, to the ballot for the Osun State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.

The commission made the move after a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered it to recognise and include Ajala as the SDP candidate in the election.

The court ruling was delivered on July 22, 2026, in a case involving the SDP, Ajala and INEC. Following the judgment, the electoral body began the process of updating the election materials to reflect the new development.

INEC announced the decision in a statement issued on Wednesday by Mohammed Haruna, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the commission’s Information and Voter Education Committee.

According to the commission, fresh ballot papers and result sheets are being produced to include Ajala and his running mate.

The updated ballot papers are expected to arrive in Osun State on Thursday, August 13, after which they will be distributed to the various local government offices across the state in line with INEC’s normal procedures.

With the addition of the SDP candidate, 15 political parties will now take part in the Osun governorship election.

INEC said the updated electoral materials would be deployed before Saturday’s poll to ensure that the court ruling is fully reflected in the election.

The commission also assured political parties, candidates and voters that it remained committed to conducting a free, fair and credible election in the state.

The inclusion of Ajala comes just days before voters across Osun State are expected to choose their next governor, with INEC continuing preparations for the election.