The Independent National Electoral Commission has commenced the reproduction of ballot papers for Saturday’s Osun State governorship election to include the Social Democratic Party candidate, Dr Francis Olugbenga Ajala, and his running mate, Faseke Babajimi Oladipo.
The Commission disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday by its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.
INEC said the decision followed a judgment delivered by the Federal High Court, Abuja, on July 22, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/344/2026, involving the Social Democratic Party, Ajala and the electoral commission.
The court had ordered INEC to “forthwith recognise, accept, upload, process and publish” the name and particulars of Ajala as the SDP candidate for the governorship election.
Following the judgment, the Commission said it had commenced the reproduction of the ballot papers and result sheets to reflect the inclusion of the SDP candidate.
The addition of Ajala brings to 15 the number of political parties participating in the Osun governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15.
According to INEC, the reproduced ballot papers are expected to arrive in Osun State on Thursday, August 13, two days before the election.
The Commission said the materials would be moved to the Local Government Area offices across the state on the same day, in line with its standard distribution procedure.
“The reproduced ballot papers will arrive in Osun State on Thursday, 13th August 2026, and will, same day, be moved to Local Government Area offices across the State, in line with its standard distribution procedure ahead of the election,” the statement said.
INEC also said the result sheets for the election were being reproduced alongside the ballot papers to reflect the inclusion of the SDP candidate.
The electoral body assured political parties, candidates and the electorate of its commitment to conducting a free, fair and credible election.
The development comes two days before voters in the state are scheduled to elect the next governor of Osun State, with the commission entering the final stage of preparations for the poll.
