Tension in Kwara as APC Rejects 105 Assembly Aspirants

By Demola Akinyemi

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State is experiencing significant tension after the party’s screening committee rejected 105 candidates who sought the APC ticket for the State House of Assembly election scheduled for 2027.

A document obtained by Vanguard from the party’s state secretariat on Thursday morning lists several incumbent lawmakers who were declared “uncleared” by the screening committee.

The document, titled “All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Nomination of Candidates for the 2027 General Election,” shows that of the 158 aspirants who received nomination forms for the State House of Assembly, only 53 were cleared to proceed.

In Kwara Central Senatorial District, all incumbent lawmakers seeking re‑election were cleared except Hon. Ayishat Tundun Alanamu, the member for the Alanamu/Ajikobi Constituency.

In Kwara South, several sitting lawmakers were not cleared. Hon. Ganiyu Salahu of Omupo Constituency and Hon. Owolabi Rasaq of Share/Oke‑Ode Constituency, both from Ifelodun Local Government Area, were screened out. Hon. Bamigboye Joseph, Hon. Omotosho Rasaq, and Hon. Yusuf Gbenga, representing Oke‑Ero, Isin, and Essa/Shawo/Igboidun respectively, were also declared uncleared.

Lawmakers from Oyun Local Government Area, including Deputy Speaker Hon. Ojo Oyebode, were cleared by the committee.

In Kwara North, the two incumbents from Moro Local Government Area who sought re‑election passed the screening. However, Hon. Issa Gideon of Edu Constituency, who is currently suspended by the House over alleged misconduct, was not cleared to contest a second term.

Only the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi‑Salihu, and the member for Ekiti Constituency, Hon. Ganiyu Gabriel, did not receive nomination forms for re‑election to the Assembly. Danladi‑Salihu is a leading contender for the APC governorship ticket, having undergone screening in Abuja last week. Gabriel is reported to have obtained a House of Representatives nomination form to contest the Ekiti/Isin/Irepodun/Oke‑Ero Federal Constituency seat.

Before the screening began, committee chairman Prof. Success Musa remarked that the large number of aspirants reflected the growing popularity and acceptance of the APC in Kwara State. “I learned we have 158 aspirants for the House of Assembly alone. That is democracy. That is what APC represents. It is the leadership shown by the chairman and our governor,” he said.

The Kwara State House of Assembly currently comprises 24 members representing constituencies across the state’s 16 local government areas, with some councils having more than one constituency due to population distribution.

The outcome has caused concern among some incumbent lawmakers and their supporters, particularly those seeking second or third terms under the ruling party.

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