Osun Election: INEC Begins Distribution of Sensitive Materials Across 30 LGAs

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun distributing sensitive electoral materials across Osun State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, despite delays caused by changes to the ballot.

The exercise is taking place at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) office in Osogbo, where materials are being dispatched to the state’s 30 local government areas, according to INEC National Commissioner overseeing the election, Kunle Ajayi.

Ajayi said the delay was linked to the late arrival of newly printed ballot papers and other election materials from Abuja. The materials had to be reproduced after the Social Democratic Party (SDP) was added to the ballot following a recent development concerning the election.

INEC had on Wednesday included SDP candidate Francis Ajala and his running mate, Faseke Oladipo, in the governorship race. Their inclusion increased the number of political parties contesting the August 15 election to 15.

The electoral commission said the ballot papers were being reproduced to accommodate the SDP candidates. It also ordered the reprinting of result sheets to ensure they reflected the updated list of contestants.

With voting scheduled for Saturday, INEC said the distribution exercise was necessary to ensure that all sensitive materials reach their designated locations before election day.

The development comes as Osun enters the final stage of preparations for the governorship poll, with security agencies, political parties and election officials completing arrangements for the vote.

The distribution of sensitive materials is a key part of the final preparations, as voters across the state prepare to choose their next governor on August 15, 2026.