Commission races against time to deliver ballot papers after last-minute SDP inclusion threatens Saturday’s governorship poll
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) began the late-night distribution of sensitive election materials to all 30 local government areas of Osun State on Thursday, setting the stage for Saturday’s high-stakes governorship election.
The operation, supervised by Osun’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, saw buses departing the Central Bank of Nigeria premises in Osogbo as late as 11:30 p.m., heading to their designated local government destinations.
The distribution faced initial delays following a Federal High Court ruling that compelled INEC to include the Social Democratic Party (SDP) on the ballot. The party has now been added to the list of 14 political parties whose ballot papers had already been printed, creating what observers described as a “logistical nightmare” for the electoral body.
Observers raise weather concerns
Mr. Umar Mohammed, Senior Programme Manager at Kimpat Development Initiative, a non-governmental organisation monitoring the process, expressed relief that materials arrived on time.
“It is a very good thing that the materials arrived today. Hopefully, by the time INEC finishes sorting, they will distribute them to all the local governments,” Mohammed told journalists.
He revealed that election monitors had been anxious after the court pronouncement, which forced INEC to print additional ballot papers and result sheets—a move that could have potentially delayed the entire election.
“We were worried after the court pronouncement. This created a logistical challenge for INEC. We felt it could affect the election and probably lead to a call for postponement, but it is good that the materials have arrived,” he stated.
Mohammed praised INEC’s deployment strategy, noting that the commission appeared to be prioritising remote and difficult-to-access local governments first.
However, he raised concerns about impending rainfall, which could hamper distribution efforts.
“I pray it does not rain because the dark clouds are already gathering. Rainfall could make the distribution of election materials difficult,” he added.
