The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun reproducing ballot papers for Saturday’s Osun State governorship election following the inclusion of the Social Democratic Party candidate (SDP), Francis Olugbenga Ajala, and his running mate, Faseke Babajimi Oladipo.

INEC said the exercise followed a Federal High Court judgment directing the commission to recognise and include Ajala as the SDP candidate for the August 15 election.

Following the judgment, the commission said it had commenced the reproduction of ballot papers to ensure the SDP candidate appears on the ballot.

Result sheets for the election are also being reproduced to reflect the development.

With Ajala’s inclusion, the number of political parties participating in the governorship election has increased to 15.

INEC said the newly printed ballot papers would arrive in Osun State on Thursday, August 13, before being distributed to its offices across the local government areas.

“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, in line with its standard distribution procedure ahead of the election,” the statement read.

The commission said the arrangement was intended to ensure that the court ruling did not disrupt preparations for Saturday’s poll.