The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the reproduction of ballot papers and result sheets for Saturday’s Osun State governorship election following a court order directing the inclusion of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Francis Olugbenga Ajala.
The development followed a judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja on July 22, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/344/2026 involving the SDP, Ajala and INEC.
The court directed the electoral commission to recognise, accept, process, upload and publish Ajala’s name and particulars as the SDP candidate for the August 15 governorship election. His running mate is Faseke Babajimi Oladipo.
INEC disclosed the development in a statement signed by its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.
The commission said it had consequently begun reproducing the sensitive election materials to ensure that Ajala’s name appears on the ballot.
According to INEC, the newly reproduced ballot papers are expected to arrive in Osun State on Thursday, August 13, after which they will be distributed to the commission’s offices across the state’s local government areas.
The commission is also reproducing result sheets to reflect the inclusion of the SDP candidate.
With the development, 15 political parties are now set to participate in the Osun governorship election.
INEC said the late adjustment would not disrupt preparations for the poll, adding that necessary logistical arrangements were being put in place to ensure the sensitive materials reach their designated locations before voting begins.
The electoral body also assured political parties, candidates and voters of its commitment to conducting a credible and orderly election.
Osun residents will go to the polls on Saturday, August 15, to elect the next governor of the state, with 15 political parties now officially in the race.
