The Independent National Electoral Commission has reprinted the ballot papers and result sheets for the Osun State governorship election. The decision followed a court judgment that ordered the commission to include Social Democratic Party candidate, Dr Francis Ajala, and his running mate, Faseke Oladipo, on the ballot. The Osun governorship election will hold on Saturday, August 15, 2026, across the state’s 30 local government areas.
Why INEC reprinted the ballot papers
The Federal High Court in Abuja delivered the judgment on July 22, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/344/2026. The case involved the SDP, Ajala and INEC. The court directed the commission to recognise and publish Ajala’s name and particulars as the party’s candidate.
According to INEC, the court ordered it to “forthwith recognise, accept, upload, process and publish” Ajala’s details for the election. Following the ruling, the commission began reproducing the ballot papers and result sheets to reflect the change. INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, announced the development in a statement on Wednesday.
“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,” the statement said.
The commission said it would distribute the materials to the local government areas in line with its standard procedure.
15 parties to contest Osun election
Ajala’s inclusion brings the number of political parties contesting the Osun governorship election to 15. The development comes just three days before voters go to the polls across the state.
INEC said both the ballot papers and result sheets would reflect the SDP candidate’s inclusion. The commission also assured political parties and voters that the updated materials would reach the relevant locations before election day.
INEC assures voters
Meanwhile, INEC reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a free, fair and credible election in Osun State. The commission urged political parties, candidates and voters to remain focused on the August 15 poll.
“The Commission wishes to inform the public of the development,” the statement added.
INEC said the updated electoral materials would be deployed ahead of Saturday’s election. The move follows the court ruling and ensures that Ajala’s name appears on the official materials voters will use during the Osun governorship election.
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