The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has included the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the ballot for the Osun State governorship poll following the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court judgement.

The candidate, Francis Olugbenga Ajala and his running mate, Faseke Babajimi Oladipo, were initially omitted from the ballot.

This was announced on Wednesday by the National Commissioner, Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna.

“This action has been taken in compliance with the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered on 22nd July 2026 in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/344/2026, between Social Democratic Party and Dr. Francis Olugbenga Ajala on the one hand and the Independent National Electoral Commission on the other. 

“The Court had ordered the Commission to forthwith recognise, accept, upload, process and publish the name and particulars of Dr. Francis Olugbenga Ajala as the candidate of the Social Democratic Party,” he said.

He said that the ballot papers for the Saturday election were being reproduced to reflect the addition.

Mr Haruna said the development brought the number of political parties contesting the election to 15.

According to him, the result sheets for the election are also being reproduced alongside the ballot papers to reflect the inclusion of the SDP candidate.

The commission said that the reproduced ballot papers would arrive in Osun State on Thursday, and on the same day be moved to Local Government Area offices across the state, in line with its standard distribution procedure ahead of the election.

The commission assured political parties, candidates, and the general public of its commitment to conducting credible election in Osun State.