PHC Telegraph
The name of the gubernatorial candidate of the Social Democratic Party in Osun State has been added to Saturday’s ballot. The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, said in a statement issued Wednesday that its decision to include the candidate in the race followed a court order.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)” the statement said, “wishes to inform the public that the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for the Osun State Governorship Election, Dr. Francis Olugbenga Ajala and his running mate, Faseke Babajimi Oladipo, have been added to the ballot for the election.”
The Commission disclosed it took the step “in compliance with the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered on 22nd July 2026 in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/344/2026, between Social Democratic Party and Dr. Francis Olugbenga Ajala on the one hand and the Independent National Electoral Commission on the other.”
“The Court had ordered the Commission to forthwith recognise, accept, upload, process and publish the name and particulars of Dr. Francis Olugbenga Ajala as the candidate of the Social Democratic Party”, the statement explained.
INEC revealed that the ballot papers which would be used for Saturday’s election is being reprinted to accommodate the SDP. It also said that the result sheets and other sensitive materials are being reproduced.
“The Commission wishes to inform the public that the reproduced ballot papers will arrive in Osun State on Thursday, 13th August 2026, and will, same day, be moved to Local Government Area offices across the State, in line with its standard distribution procedure ahead of the election.
“INEC assures political parties, candidates, and the general public of its commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible election in Osun State”, the statement added.
On the whole, 15 political parties will be taking part in the Osun State elections.
