ABUJA, Nigeria — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has added the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Francis Olugbenga, to the ballot for Saturday’s Osun State governorship election. This development brings the total number of political parties contesting the poll from 14 to 15.

INEC announced the decision on Wednesday, just three days before the August 15 election. The commission stated it was acting in compliance with a judgement from the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Mr. Olugbenga and his running mate, Faseke Babajimi, will now appear on the ballot. This follows a court order directing INEC to recognize, accept, upload, process, and publish the candidate’s details.

A press release signed by Mohammed Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, detailed the court's ruling. The judgement was delivered on July 22 in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/344/2026. The case was between the SDP and Mr. Olugbenga against INEC.

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

INEC confirmed that the ballot papers were being reproduced to incorporate the SDP candidate's inclusion. The newly printed ballot papers are expected to arrive in Osun State on Thursday, August 13.

From there, they will be distributed to the commission’s Local Government Area offices across the state. This distribution follows the standard procedure for elections. INEC assured all parties, candidates, and the public of its commitment to a free, fair, and credible election.

The Osun State governorship election on August 15 will now feature 15 political parties. This includes the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking re-election.