INEC Adds SDP to Osun Governorship Ballot, Commences Distribution of Sensitive Materials

The Independent National Electoral Commission has reproduced ballot papers and result sheets for the Osun State governorship election to include the candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Dr. Olugbenga Ajala, just days ahead of the poll.

The electoral body is also set to distribute sensitive materials for Saturday’s election to all 30 local government areas in the state from the premises of the Central Bank of Nigeria in Osogbo.

According to a statement signed by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, the decision to include Ajala and his running mate, Faseke Oladipo, follows a Federal High Court judgment delivered in Abuja on July 22, 2026. The court ordered the commission to recognize, accept, upload, and publish Ajala’s details as the official candidate for the party.

With the inclusion of the SDP, the total number of political parties contesting the August 15 governorship election now stands at 15.

Reacting to the development, Ajala acknowledged the challenge posed by the late inclusion, noting that while time to campaign is limited, his team remains optimistic about the outcome.

The commission reiterated its commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible election across the state.