The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has included Dr Francis Olugbenga Ajala, the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and his running mate, Faseke Babajimi Oladipo, on the official ballot for the upcoming Osun State governorship election.

According to INEC, the inclusion follows a ruling issued by the Federal High Court in Abuja on July 22, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/344/2026. The court order directed the electoral commission to acknowledge, accept, upload, process, and publish the details of the SDP candidate.

Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, stated that ballot papers and result sheets are being reprinted to incorporate the SDP candidate. This addition brings the total number of political parties participating in the election to fifteen.

The newly printed ballot papers are expected to arrive in Osun State on August 13, 2026, and will be distributed immediately to all Local Government Area offices across the state in accordance with standard electoral protocols ahead of the election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.

INEC has assured political parties, candidates, and voters of its commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible electoral process in the state.