15 Political Parties Now Set For Osun Gov. Election As INEC Includes SDP

By Ayodele Oni

In compliance with a Federal High Court order, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the reproduction of ballot papers for Saturday’s Osun State Governorship Election.

This followed the inclusion of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Francis Olugbenga Ajala, and his running mate, Faseke Babajimi Oladipo.

The decision followed a Federal High Court judgment directing INEC to recognise Ajala and officially include him as the SDP’s governorship candidate for the August 15, 2026 election.

The commission disclosed the development in a statement issued by its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.

INEC explained that the judgment was delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja on July 22, 2026, in a suit involving the SDP, Ajala and the electoral body.

The court reportedly ordered the commission to immediately recognise, process, upload and publish Ajala’s name and particulars as the duly recognised SDP candidate.

Following the ruling, INEC said it had begun reproducing ballot papers and result sheets to accommodate the SDP candidate and his running mate.

Ajala’s inclusion has now increased the number of political parties participating in the Osun governorship election to 15.

The electoral commission said the newly printed ballot papers are expected to arrive in Osun State on Thursday, August 13, after which they will be distributed to INEC offices across the state’s local government areas in preparation for the election.

INEC assured political parties, candidates and voters that the late adjustment would not disrupt preparations for Saturday’s poll, adding that necessary logistical arrangements were being made to ensure the sensitive materials reached their designated locations before voting commenced.

The commission reiterated its commitment to conducting a credible election as Osun residents prepare to head to the polls on August 15 to elect the next governor of the state.