How Late SDP Ballot Printing Delays Distribution of Osun Election Materials? – INEC
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained that the late printing of new ballot papers and result sheets following the inclusion of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the Osun State governorship election delayed the distribution of sensitive materials ahead of Saturday’s poll.
INEC National Commissioner overseeing the Osun election, Kunle Ajayi, said the newly printed materials arrived from Abuja later than expected, affecting the commission’s distribution schedule.
The commission subsequently commenced the distribution of the sensitive materials to the state’s 30 local government areas from its Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) office in Osogbo.
The SDP was added to the ballot following a Federal High Court judgment directing INEC to recognise its governorship candidate, Francis Ajala, and his running mate, Faseke Oladipo, for the election.
The development increased the number of political parties participating in the August 15 governorship election from 14 to 15.
INEC had earlier announced that it was reproducing the ballot papers and result sheets to reflect the inclusion of the SDP candidates in compliance with the court judgment delivered in Abuja on July 22, 2026.
Ajayi said the commission had commenced the movement of the sensitive materials to their designated locations to ensure they reached the various local government areas before voting begins.
The distribution is expected to cover all 30 local government areas ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
