The Social Democratic Party governorship candidate in Osun State, Francis Olugbenga Ajala, has expressed confidence that his party can win Saturday’s election despite being added to the ballot only three days before the poll.
Ajala said the late inclusion had created a difficult campaign situation for the SDP, but maintained that the development would not prevent the party from competing for victory. Punch Newspaper reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission added Ajala and his running mate, Faseke Oladipo, to the ballot following a Federal High Court judgment.
The SDP candidate acknowledged that other contestants had enjoyed more time to campaign while his party was involved in legal battles over its participation in the election.
He likened the situation to joining a 100-metre race after other contestants had already covered much of the distance, describing the circumstances as an unfair competition.
Despite the disadvantage, Ajala said the party remained optimistic and was prepared to make the most of the limited time available before the election.
INEC said the court judgment, delivered on July 22, ordered the commission to recognise, accept, upload, process and publish Ajala’s details as the SDP candidate.
Following the ruling, the electoral commission began reproducing ballot papers and result sheets to accommodate the SDP candidate and his running mate.
The inclusion brings the number of political parties contesting the August 15 governorship election to 15.
With only days left before voters head to the polls, the SDP faces the challenge of quickly making up for lost campaign time while trying to convince voters that its late appearance on the ballot will not affect its chances.
Ajala, however, remains confident that the party can overcome the setback and spring a surprise in the Osun governorship contest.
