Author: Gist Correspondent

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has included the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Dr. Francis Olugbenga Ajala, and his running mate, Faseke Babajimi Oladipo, on the ballot for Saturday's Osun State governorship election.

The commission said the decision followed the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which directed it to recognise and publish Ajala as the duly nominated candidate of the SDP.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, INEC said it was complying with the court judgment delivered on July 22, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/344/2026.

According to the commission, the court ordered it to recognise, accept, upload, process and publish the name and particulars of Dr. Ajala as the SDP's governorship candidate.

INEC said it had consequently commenced the reproduction of ballot papers and election result sheets to reflect the inclusion of the SDP candidate.

With the development, the number of political parties participating in the August 15 governorship election has increased to 15.

The commission disclosed that the newly reproduced ballot papers would arrive in Osun State on Thursday, August 13, and would be distributed immediately to all local government area offices in line with its election timetable.

INEC assured political parties, candidates and voters that the exercise would not affect preparations for the election.

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a free, fair and credible governorship election in Osun State.