The Independent National Electoral Commission has put the Social Democratic Party back on the ballot for the Osun State governorship election.
INEC on Tuesday, August 12, 2026, confirmed that SDP candidate Francis Ajala and his running mate Faseke Oladipo will now contest the August 15 poll.
The move follows a Federal High Court judgment in Abuja delivered on July 22, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/344/2026 between the SDP, Ajala, and INEC.
According to the Commission, the court ordered it to immediately recognise, accept, upload, process and publish Ajala’s name and details as the SDP flag bearer.
What changes now
- Ballot update: New ballot papers are being reprinted to include the SDP. The total number of parties on the ballot rises to 15.
- Result sheets: These are also being reproduced to reflect the SDP candidate.
- Distribution: The updated ballots will arrive in Osun on Thursday, August 13, 2026, and will be moved the same day to LGA offices, in line with INEC’s standard procedure.
The statement was signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee.
INEC said it remains committed to delivering a free, fair and credible election in Osun and urged parties, candidates and voters to take note of the update.
The Commission also posted the notice on its official X account, @inecnigeria, on August 12.
