OSUN ELECTION: INEC ADDS SDP CANDIDATE TO BALLOT THREE DAYS TO POLL

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By: Fasasi Hammad

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has ordered the reproduction of ballot papers and result sheets for the Osun State governorship election to include the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Dr Olugbenga Ajala, just three days before the poll.

The commission is also scheduled to commence the distribution of sensitive election materials to the 30 local government areas of the state on Thursday.

The exercise is expected to take place at the premises of the Central Bank of Nigeria in Osogbo, the state capital.

Speaking in a telephone interview, the state INEC spokesperson, Musa Olurode, confirmed that the sensitive materials would be distributed on Thursday, adding that journalists would be informed of the commencement time.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said Ajala and his running mate, Faseke Oladipo, had been added to the ballot following a Federal High Court judgment delivered in Abuja on July 22, 2026.

The judgment, delivered in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/344/2026, directed INEC to recognise, accept, upload, process and publish Ajala’s name and particulars as the SDP governorship candidate.

INEC said it was consequently reproducing the ballot papers for Saturday’s election to reflect the inclusion, bringing the number of political parties participating in the poll to 15.

The commission also said the result sheets were being reproduced to accommodate the SDP candidate.

INEC assured political parties, candidates and voters of its commitment to conducting a free, fair and credible election in Osun State.

Reacting to his inclusion, Ajala expressed confidence that the SDP could still win the election despite having limited time to campaign.

He acknowledged the disadvantage of joining the race just days before the poll, noting that other candidates had already covered significant ground in their campaigns.

Ajala, however, said the party remained optimistic about its chances and would make the most of the remaining time to mobilise voters.

The development brings the total number of political parties contesting the August 15 Osun governorship election to 15.