OSOGBO — The Independent National Electoral Commission has commenced the reproduction of ballot papers and result sheets for Saturday’s Osun State governorship election to accommodate the Social Democratic Party candidate, Dr. Francis Olugbenga Ajala, just three days before the poll .
CDA News Nigeria gathered that the decision follows a judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered on July 22, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/344/2026, which ordered INEC to “forthwith recognise, accept, upload, process and publish” the name and particulars of Ajala as the SDP governorship candidate .
CDA News Nigeria reports that Ajala and his running mate, Faseke Babajimi Oladipo, have now been added to the ballot, increasing the number of political parties contesting the election from 14 to 15 . The Commission assured political parties, candidates, and the general public of its commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible election .
According to INEC, the reproduced ballot papers will arrive in Osun State on Thursday, August 13, and will be moved the same day to local government area offices across the state in line with its standard distribution procedure . The state INEC spokesperson, Musa Olurode, confirmed that sensitive materials will be distributed from the Central Bank of Nigeria premises in Osogbo .
Following his inclusion, Ajala, while admitting the party has limited time to canvass for votes, expressed optimism about victory. “We were in court throughout before we got judgments,” he told The PUNCH. “In the next 48 hours, there is very little we can do because it is like a 100-metre race… I am very optimistic about victory. In fact, we are joyous” .
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