The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reproduced the ballot papers and result sheets for the Osun State governorship election following the inclusion of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Olugbenga Ajala, in the race.
The development brings the number of political parties contesting Saturday’s election to 15, with INEC also set to distribute sensitive election materials to the 30 local government areas in the state on Thursday.
The distribution is expected to take place at the premises of the Central Bank of Nigeria in Osogbo, the state capital.
The state INEC spokesperson, Musa Olurode, confirmed the planned distribution while speaking with journalists.
“Sensitive materials will be distributed tomorrow, and journalists will be informed of the time the exercise will commence,” he said.
Ajala and his running mate, Faseke Oladipo, were added to the ballot following a judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja on July 22, 2026.
The judgment was delivered in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/344/2026 filed by the SDP and Ajala against INEC.
According to the electoral commission, the court directed it to “forthwith recognise, accept, upload, process and publish” Ajala’s name and particulars as the SDP candidate for the governorship election.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, the commission said it had complied with the court order by including the SDP candidate in the election.
“Consequently, the ballot papers for the election, scheduled for Saturday, 15th August 2026, are being reproduced to reflect this addition, bringing to fifteen (15) the total number of political parties contesting the election,” INEC said.
The commission added that the result sheets were also being reproduced to accommodate the SDP candidate.
INEC assured political parties, candidates and other stakeholders of its commitment to conducting a free, fair and credible election in Osun State.
The Osun governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, with INEC expected to complete the distribution of sensitive materials ahead of the poll.
