The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reproduced ballot papers for Saturday’s Osun State governorship election to accommodate the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Dr Olugbenga Ajala.

The development comes just 3 days to the election and increases the number of parties contesting to 15.

In a statement on Wednesday signed by National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, INEC said the inclusion followed a Federal High Court, Abuja judgment delivered on July 22, 2026.

The judgment in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/344/2026 was between the SDP and Ajala vs INEC,

According to the commission, the court ordered it to “forthwith recognise, accept, upload, process and publish”?the name and particulars of Ajala as the SDP governorship candidate.

 “Consequently, the ballot papers for the election, scheduled for Saturday, 15th August 2026, are being reproduced to reflect this addition, bringing to fifteen (15) the total number of political parties contesting the election,” INEC stated.

The commission added that result sheets were also being reprinted to reflect SDP’s inclusion.

INEC also said distribution of sensitive materials for the poll will begin today, Thursday, at the premises of the Central Bank of Nigeria in Osogbo*.

State INEC spokesperson, Musa Olurode, told The PUNCH:

“Sensitive materials will be distributed tomorrow, and journalists will be informed of the time the exercise will commence.”

Speaking to The PUNCH on Wednesday, Dr Olugbenga Ajala said the party was poised for victory despite the late inclusion.

“We were in court throughout before we gt judgments. In the next 48 hours, there is very little we can do because it is like a 100-metre race. Some of the contestants have reached 75 metres out of the 100 metres.

We are now coming out to the starting point. You know, it will be an unfair competition. We will do our best. But let us see what the result will be before we can say decisively which step we will take.

 I am very optimistic about victory. In fact, we are joyous.”

The commission assured political parties, candidates and the public of its commitment to conducting a free, fair and credible election in Osun on Saturday.