INEC reprints Osun ballot papers, result sheets, includes SDP candidate

INEC reprints Osun ballot papers, result sheets, includes SDP candidate 

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the reproduction of ballot papers and result sheets for Saturday’s Osun State governorship election following the court-ordered inclusion of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Dr Francis Olugbenga Ajala, and his running mate, Faseke Babajimi Oladipo, in the race.

 

The Commission, in a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the decision followed the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered on July 22, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/344/2026.

 

The suit was filed by the SDP and Ajala against INEC.

 

The court ordered the Commission to “forthwith recognise, accept, upload, process and publish” Ajala’s name and particulars as the SDP candidate for the election.

 

INEC said the reproduced ballot papers would arrive in Osun State on Thursday, August 13, and would be distributed the same day to Local Government Area offices across the state in accordance with its established distribution procedure.

 

The Commission also confirmed that the result sheets were being reproduced alongside the ballot papers to reflect the addition of the SDP candidate.

 

With Ajala’s inclusion, the number of political parties participating in the governorship election has risen to 15.

 

The election is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.

 

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

 

The Commission’s latest development comes just two days before the poll, adding a new dimension to the closely watched Osun governorship contest.