Osun Poll: INEC Reprints Ballot Papers, Adeleke Declares Friday Work-Free

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the reprinting of ballot papers and result sheets for the August 15 Osun State governorship election following the inclusion of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Dr. Francis Olugbenga Ajala, and his running mate, Faseke Babajimi Oladipo.

INEC disclosed that the decision was in compliance with a Federal High Court judgment delivered on July 22, 2026, which directed the Commission to recognise and publish Dr. Ajala as the SDP governorship candidate.

In a statement issued by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, INEC said the reproduced ballot papers would arrive in Osun on Thursday and be distributed to all local government offices the same day in line with standard election procedures.

The Commission added that with the inclusion of the SDP, the number of political parties participating in the election has increased to 15.

INEC assured political parties, candidates and voters of its commitment to conducting a free, fair and credible governorship election.

Meanwhile, Governor Ademola Adeleke has declared Friday, August 14, a work-free day for public servants to enable them travel where necessary and participate in Saturday’s election.

A circular signed by the Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina, stated that the directive applies to all categories of workers except those on emergency and essential duties.

The governor also urged workers, their families and supporters to vote and protect their votes, describing the election as crucial to sustaining what he called the gains of his administration.

In a related development, Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has deployed Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Ishyaku Mohammed, to Osun State to coordinate security operations for the election.

According to Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Iniedu, the deployment is part of measures to ensure a peaceful, secure and credible electoral process.

The police said adequate security arrangements have been made to protect voters, INEC personnel, election materials, polling units, collation centres, observers and journalists before, during and after the election.

The IGP warned against ballot snatching, voter intimidation, political thuggery and other electoral offences, stressing that violators would be arrested and prosecuted.

He also reiterated the ban on armed escorts, security aides and unauthorised persons accompanying political figures to polling units and collation centres on election day.

Ahead of the poll, APC chieftain Olatunbosun Oyintiloye called on political actors to shun violence and promote peaceful conduct, while former PDP governorship aspirant Adebayo Adedamola, popularly known as Fryo, announced his endorsement of Governor Adeleke for Saturday’s election.