Disqualified Lawmakers reinstated as Kwara APC Reverses Controversial Screening

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State has reversed the controversial disqualification of dozens of aspirants seeking tickets into the Kwara State House of Assembly. The party cleared all 159 contenders to proceed in the party’s 2027 electoral process. The decision followed intense political tension triggered by an earlier screening report released at the […]

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State has reversed the controversial disqualification of dozens of aspirants seeking tickets into the Kwara State House of Assembly.

The party cleared all 159 contenders to proceed in the party’s 2027 electoral process.

The decision followed intense political tension triggered by an earlier screening report released at the party secretariat in Ilorin.

Then about 105 out of 158 aspirants were initially declared “uncleared.”

Several serving lawmakers and prominent political figures were among those affected in the first list, sparking outrage and uncertainty within the ruling party.

However, a fresh document cited on Wednesday completely overturned the earlier outcome, restoring all previously disqualified aspirants.

The new document increased the total number of cleared contestants to 159 following the inclusion of Speaker Yakubu Danladi-Salihu.

An aspirant from Ilorin East, who spoke to Daily Trust on condition of anonymity, said the party formally communicated the reversal through a text message sent around 1pm on Wednesday.

“We received a text message this afternoon around 1pm informing us that all aspirants have now been cleared for the exercise which is to start around 2:30pm.

Many of us were shocked by the earlier list, so this new development came as a relief,” she said.

The revised list has since eased tension among party members, especially lawmakers seeking second and third terms in the Assembly.

Danladi-Salihu’s inclusion in the updated list has also generated fresh political conversation within APC circle, particularly because his name was absent from the earlier screening result.

The Speaker had previously been linked with the 2027 governorship race before political calculations within the party reportedly shifted in favour of businessman and APC stalwart Yahaya Seriki, believed to be enjoying the backing of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Among those initially disqualified were Hon. Ganiyu Folabi Salahu of Omupo Constituency, Hon. Owolabi Olatunde Rasaq representing Share/Oke-Ode, Hon. Bamigboye Joseph of Oke-Ero, Hon. Omotosho Olakunle Rasaq of Isin, and Hon. Yusuf Abdulwaheed Gbenga of Essa/Shawo/Igboidun Constituency.

Also listed among those earlier declared “uncleared” was Hon. Issa Gideon of Edu Constituency, who is currently under suspension by the Assembly over allegations of misconduct and actions said to have brought the legislature into disrepute.

The initial screening exercise had, however, cleared some lawmakers from Kwara Central and Kwara North, including members from Moro Local Government Area seeking re-election.

Deputy Speaker Ojo Olayiwola Oyebode of Oyun Constituency was also among those who scaled through the first screening exercise.

The mass disqualification had sparked speculation within political circles, with some stakeholders interpreting it as an attempt to reshape the composition of the next Assembly ahead of the primaries.