SDP Candidate Ajala Optimistic Despite Late Ballot Listing

Olugbenga Ajala, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate for the Osun State governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026, expressed confidence in the party's potential for victory despite being added to the ballot only three days prior to the election. This inclusion was a result of a Federal High Court judgment delivered on July 22, 2026, which ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize Ajala as the SDP candidate.

Ajala acknowledged the limited time for campaigning but emphasized the party's determination to compete. He stated, “We were in court throughout before we got judgments,” and noted the challenge of entering the race late, comparing it to a 100-meter race where other contestants are ahead.

INEC's National Commissioner, Mohammed Haruna, confirmed that the ballot papers and result sheets were being updated to reflect Ajala's inclusion, increasing the number of political parties contesting the election to 15.