The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reprinted the ballot papers and result sheets for the Osun State governorship election to include the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Francis Olugbenga Ajala, following a court order.
INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, announced the development on Wednesday. Ajala and his running mate, Faseke Babajimi Oladipo, were initially left out of the ballot for the election.
Haruna explained that the commission’s decision followed a judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja on July 22, 2026. The court directed INEC to recognise, accept, process, upload and publish Ajala’s name and details as the SDP candidate.
According to him, the ballot papers for Saturday’s election are currently being reproduced to reflect the court-ordered inclusion. The result sheets are also being reprinted for the same purpose.
Haruna said the development has increased the number of political parties participating in the Osun governorship election to 15.
INEC further disclosed that the newly reproduced materials are expected to arrive in Osun State on Thursday before being distributed to Local Government Area offices across the state.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a credible, transparent and inclusive governorship election, assuring political parties, candidates and voters that the necessary arrangements were being made ahead of Saturday’s poll.