The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has begun reprinting ballot papers and result sheets for Saturday's Osun State governorship election to include the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Dr. Francis Olugbenga Ajala, and his running mate, Faseke Babajimi Oladipo.
The move comes just days before the election, adding a late but notable development to an already closely watched race. Osun's governorship contest features incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party seeking re-election against a crowded field, including the APC's Bola Oyebamiji and the ADC's Najeem Salaam.
The election has drawn heightened national attention in the run-up to Saturday's vote, with civil society groups and the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) raising concerns about rising political tension in the state. The Nigerian Bar Association has separately called on police to maintain neutrality and prevent political violence ahead of the poll, while European Union-backed civil society groups have engaged directly with the Inspector-General of Police on election security arrangements.
INEC has not indicated whether the late addition of the SDP candidate will affect the distribution timeline for ballot materials, but the commission is expected to complete the reprinting process before polling units open on Saturday.