The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the reproduction of ballot papers for Saturday’s Osun State governorship election following a Federal High Court judgment directing the inclusion of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Francis Olugbenga Ajala, and his running mate, Faseke Babajimi Oladipo. The commission said the exercise became necessary after the court ordered it to recognise, process, upload and publish Ajala’s name as the party’s valid governorship candidate for the August 15 poll.

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In a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, INEC explained that the judgment, delivered on July 22, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/344/2026, also necessitated the reproduction of election result sheets. With the inclusion of the SDP candidate, the number of political parties participating in the Osun governorship election has increased from 14 to 15.

The electoral commission disclosed that the newly printed ballot papers would arrive in Osun State on Thursday, August 13, before being distributed to local government offices in line with its election timetable.

INEC assured political parties, candidates and voters that the court ruling would not disrupt preparations for the election, stressing that all necessary logistical arrangements had been put in place to ensure the sensitive materials reached their destinations ahead of Saturday’s governorship poll.