Osun: Nigerians suspect foul play as INEC reprints ballots days to poll despite 3 weeks-old court order
By Mercy Ajekigbe
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has come under criticisms from various social media users following its press release about adding Social Democratic Party’s (SDP) candidate, Dr. Francis Ajala, to the ballot for the Osun State Governorship election.
The development follows a judgment delivered by the Abuja High Court on July 22, 2026, over INEC’s refusal to recognise Ajala as the SDP’s candidate for the election. The court reportedly ordered the commission to act without delay and publish the candidate’s name on the ballot.
However, INEC’s announcement that it had added Ajala’s name to the ballot and is reproducing the ballot papers just three days before the election has sparked criticism online.
Some social media users and public figures have questioned the timing of the move, particularly the decision to reprint the ballot so close to election day.
One user, @komeekrueme, under the official INEC statement wrote: “Reprinting ballot 3 days to election for a judgement from as far back as July 22nd. Can the commission tell Nigerians the reason for this?”
Another user @Nelly0883… wrote: “Court judgement since July and you are just obeying it today. INEC God will punish you”
Several users have also linked this action to alleged plans to rig the election, while claiming that the Commission is influenced by political interests.
Another user, @Emmalbeoha, stated: “The judgement according to you was delivered since the 22nd of July. Why didn’t @inecnigeria reproduce ballot papers since then and suddenly doing that just 3 days to the election. I hope Inec is not trying to assist the devilish APC rig Osun election by this action? INEC is not neutral”
@hassanoladipo8 wrote: “SDP go get vote, just wait and see how they will rig the election”
Despite the criticisms and concerns, however, in their official statement, the commission assures the general public, political parties and candidates to that it would conduct a free, fair, and credible election in Osun State.
