Osun poll: INEC adds SDP to ballot, distributes sensitive materials

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is reproducing ballot papers for the upcoming Osun State governorship election to accommodate the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Dr. Olugbenga Ajala. This decision comes just three days before the poll, following a Federal High Court judgment delivered on July 22, 2026.

The court's ruling in a suit filed by the SDP and Ajala against INEC mandated the commission to "forthwith recognise, accept, upload, process and publish" Ajala's name and particulars as the SDP's governorship candidate. Consequently, ballot papers and result sheets are being updated to reflect the inclusion of the SDP, bringing the total number of contesting political parties to fifteen.

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Consequently, the ballot papers for the election, scheduled for Saturday, 15th August 2026, are being reproduced to reflect this addition, bringing to fifteen (15) the total number of political parties contesting the election.

INEC announced that sensitive materials for the election, scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, will be distributed today (Thursday) to the 30 local government areas in the state. The distribution will take place at the Central Bank of Nigeria premises in Osogbo. The state INEC spokesperson, Musa Olurode, confirmed that journalists would be informed of the distribution commencement time.

Following his inclusion on the ballot, Dr. Ajala expressed confidence in the SDP's potential to win the election, despite the limited time for campaigning. He acknowledged the challenge, comparing the remaining 48 hours to a "100-metre race" where other contestants are significantly ahead. Ajala stated that the party had been engaged in legal proceedings before securing the court's judgment, and they would "do our best" in the circumstances.

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In the next 48 hours, there is very little we can do because it is like a 100-metre race. Some of the contestants have reached 75 metres out of the 100 metres. 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.