Late INEC listing won’t stop SDP victory, says Osun gov candidate

Olugbenga Ajala, the governorship candidate for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Osun State, remains optimistic about securing victory in the upcoming election, even though his party was only added to the ballot paper three days prior to the vote. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) included the SDP and Ajala after a Federal High Court in Abuja issued a judgment on July 22, 2026.

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We were in court throughout before we got judgments.

The court order mandated INEC to "forthwith recognise, accept, upload, process and publish" Ajala's name and particulars as the SDP's candidate for the election. This development brings the total number of political parties contesting the Osun governorship election to 15. INEC confirmed that ballot papers and result sheets are being reproduced to reflect this court-ordered inclusion.

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In the next 48 hours, there is very little we can do because it is like a 100-meter race. Some of the contestants have reached 75 meters out of the 100 meters. We are now coming out to the starting point. You know, it will be an unfair competition. We will do our best. But let us see what the result will be before we can say decisively which step we will take.

Ajala acknowledged the significant disadvantage posed by the late listing, describing the situation as an "unfair competition" and comparing the limited time to a "100-meter race" where some contestants are already far ahead. Despite the challenges, he stated that the party was "joyous" and that he would "do our best" in the remaining time. The SDP candidate's optimism persists despite the compressed campaign window, emphasizing his belief in the party's potential to emerge victorious.

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I am very optimistic about victory. In fact, we are joyous.