Osun Election: New ballot papers delivered today; Adeleke declares Friday work free

Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is undertaking the reproduction of ballot papers for the upcoming August 15 Osun State governorship election. This measure is being taken to ensure the inclusion of Dr. Francis Olugbenga Ajala, the candidate for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and his running mate, Faseke Babajimi Oladipo, who were initially excluded. The decision follows a Federal High Court order issued on July 22, 2026, which mandated INEC to recognize and process Dr. Ajala's candidacy.

INEC announced that the newly printed ballot papers, along with corresponding result sheets, will arrive in Osun State on Thursday, August 13, 2026. They will then be distributed to local government area offices according to standard procedure. With the addition of the SDP candidate, the total number of political parties contesting the governorship election has now risen to 15. The commission has assured all parties, candidates, and the public of its commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible election.

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The Commission wishes to inform the public that the reproduced ballot papers will arrive in Osun State on Thursday, 13th August 2026, and will, the same day, be moved to Local Government Area offices across the State, in line with its standard distribution procedure ahead of the election.

In preparation for the election, Governor Ademola Adeleke has declared Friday, August 14, a work-free day for public sector workers. This directive, issued via a circular from the Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina, aims to allow workers to travel and prepare to exercise their voting rights on Saturday. The declaration applies to all categories of workers, except those in essential and emergency services. Governor Adeleke also urged Osun workers to mobilize support and vote massively on Saturday to ensure the continuity of good governance in the state.

Security for the election is being coordinated by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, DIG Ishyaku Mohammed, who was deployed by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu. The deployment is intended to ensure violence-free balloting throughout the state.

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The time for action has come. As formal workers at state establishments, I task you to mobilise informal workers, artisans and professiona