The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has disclosed that Dr Francis Olugbenga Ajala, the candidate representing the Social Democratic Party, SDP, for the Osun State Governorship Election, alongside his running mate, Faseke Babajimi Oladipo, has been officially included on the ballot for the upcoming election.
This decision was made in accordance with the ruling issued by the Federal High Court in Abuja on 22nd July 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/344/2026, which involved the Social Democratic Party and Dr Francis Olugbenga Ajala on one side, and the Independent National Electoral Commission on the other.
The Court mandated the Commission to immediately acknowledge, accept, upload, process, and publish the name and details of Dr Francis Olugbenga Ajala as the candidate for the Social Democratic Party.
As a result, the ballot papers for the election, set to take place on Saturday, 15th August 2026, are being reprinted to include this addition, increasing the total number of political parties participating in the election to fifteen, 15. The result sheets for the election are also being reprinted to incorporate the SDP candidate.
In a statement issued by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, the Commission informed the public that the newly printed ballot papers are expected to arrive in Osun State on Thursday, 13th August 2026, and will be distributed to Local Government Area offices throughout the state on the same day, following the standard distribution protocol prior to the election.
INEC has assured political parties, candidates, and the general public of its dedication to facilitating a free, fair, and credible election in Osun State.