Osun Election: INEC begins distribution of sensitive materials, explains delay

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has commenced the distribution of sensitive electoral materials across the 30 local government areas of Osun State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

 

INEC National Commissioner in charge of the Osun election, Kunle Ajayi, disclosed this on Friday, saying the distribution was taking place at the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, office in Osogbo, the state capital.

 

Ajayi attributed the delay to the late arrival of newly printed ballot papers and other electoral materials from Abuja following the recent inclusion of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, on the ballot.

 

He said the commission commenced the distribution to ensure that all materials reached their designated locations ahead of the election.

 

INEC had on Wednesday added the SDP candidate, Francis Ajala, and his running mate, Faseke Oladipo, to the ballot, bringing the number of political parties contesting the election to 15.

 

The commission said the ballot papers and result sheets had to be reproduced to reflect the inclusion of the SDP candidate.

 

“Consequently, the ballot papers for the election, scheduled to hold on Saturday, 15th August 2026, are being reproduced to reflect this addition, bringing to 15 the total number of political parties contesting the election.

 

“The result sheets for the election are also being reproduced alongside the ballot papers to reflect the inclusion of the SDP candidate,” INEC said.