The Independent National Electoral Commission has reinstated the Social Democratic Party into the Osun governorship race, adding Dr. Francis Ajala and his running mate Faseke Oladipo to the ballot.
INEC announced the move on Wednesday, saying it was acting on a Federal High Court judgment in Abuja delivered on July 22, 2026 in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/344/2026. The court directed the commission to “forthwith recognise, accept, upload, process and publish” Ajala as the SDP candidate.
According to National Commissioner Mohammed Haruna, who chairs INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, new ballot papers and result sheets are being printed to reflect the change. The updated materials are expected in Osun on Thursday, August 13, 2026, before distribution to local government offices.
With SDP now back on the list, 15 political parties will contest the August 15 governorship election.
INEC said the distribution will follow its standard procedure and assured parties and voters of a free, fair and credible poll.
