2027: APC Reverses Mass Disqualification, Clears All Kwara Assembly Aspirants

The All Progressives Congress has cleared all 159 aspirants seeking tickets to contest for seats in the Kwara State House of Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections, reversing an earlier screening outcome that disqualified more than half of the contenders.

The initial screening results, pasted at the APC secretariat in Ilorin, had shown that 105 out of 158 aspirants were disqualified, leaving only 53 cleared to continue in the race. The development sparked concerns within the party, especially among serving lawmakers seeking second and third terms in office.

However, a revised screening document obtained in Ilorin on Wednesday presented a completely different outcome, with all aspirants now cleared to proceed. The updated list also increased the total number of aspirants from 158 to 159 following the inclusion of the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu.

The document, titled “All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Nomination of Candidates for the 2027 General Election,” indicates a major reversal by the party after widespread reactions to the earlier disqualification exercise.

Danladi-Salihu, who was absent from the original list of aspirants, was included among those cleared in the revised arrangement. The Speaker is regarded as one of the influential political figures in the state and had reportedly been considered a governorship hopeful before stepping back from the race following Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s endorsement of Yahaya Seriki as his preferred successor.

Several prominent lawmakers were among those initially marked as disqualified before the reversal. They included Hon. Ganiyu Folabi Salahu, Hon. Owolabi Olatunde Rasaq, Hon. Bamigboye Joseph, Hon. Omotosho Olakunle Rasaq and Hon. Yusuf Abdulwaheed Gbenga.

Also listed among those earlier not cleared was Hon. Issa Gideon of Edu Constituency, who is currently under suspension over alleged misconduct.

Speaking before the screening exercise held on May 11, 2026, the committee chairman, Success Musa, said the large number of aspirants reflected the growing acceptance of the APC across Kwara State.