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

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has begun the distribution of sensitive electoral materials across the 30 local government areas of Osun State ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

INEC National Commissioner in charge of the Osun State election, Kunle Ajayi, disclosed this on Friday, stating that the distribution is currently 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 materials from Abuja following the recent inclusion of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, on the ballot for the election.

According to him, INEC began the distribution to ensure that all materials reached their designated locations ahead of the poll.

Recall that the commission on Wednesday added the Social Democratic Party, SDP candidate, Francis Ajala, and his running mate, Faseke Oladipo, to the ballot for the governorship election, raising to 15 the total number of political parties contesting the election, which will be held on Saturday.

“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.