Breaking: INEC Reprints Osun Ballot Papers After SDP Candidate’s Inclusion

Ajala’s running mate, Faseke Babajimi Oladipo, will also be reflected in the updated election materials.

INEC said the decision followed a Federal High Court judgment ordering the commission to recognise and include Ajala as the SDP governorship candidate for the election.

The commission disclosed this in a statement signed by its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.

According to INEC, the judgment was delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja on July 22, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/344/2026 involving the SDP, Ajala and the electoral commission.

The commission said the court directed it to immediately recognise, accept, process, upload and publish Ajala’s name and other particulars as the party’s governorship candidate.

INEC Reproduces Ballots, Result Sheets

Following the judgment, INEC said it began reproducing the ballot papers to ensure that Ajala’s name appears on the ballot for Saturday’s election.

The commission also commenced the reproduction of result sheets to reflect the latest development.

With the inclusion of Ajala, the number of political parties participating in the Osun governorship election has risen to 15.

INEC said the newly reproduced ballot papers would arrive in Osun State on Thursday, August 13, just two days before the election, after which they would be distributed to the commission’s offices across the state’s local government areas.

The commission said:

“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 Voters Over Late Adjustment

The electoral commission said the arrangement was designed to ensure that the court ruling would not disrupt preparations for Saturday’s poll.

INEC also assured political parties, candidates and voters that it remained committed to conducting a credible election despite the late changes to the ballot papers.

The commission said the necessary logistical arrangements were being put in place to ensure that the reproduced sensitive materials reached their designated locations before voting begins.

Osun residents are scheduled to elect their next governor on Saturday, August 15, with 15 political parties now officially in the contest.