No fewer than 105 aspirants seeking the All Progressives Congress (APC) tickets for the Kwara State House of Assembly election have been disqualified following the party’s screening exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The result of the screening, displayed at the APC secretariat in Ilorin on Thursday , showed that out of 158 aspirants who purchased nomination forms, only 53 were cleared to continue in the race, while the rest were marked “uncleared” by the screening committee.
The document, titled “All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Nomination of Candidates for the 2027 General Election,” also indicated that several serving lawmakers seeking re-election were among those affected.
Among lawmakers from Kwara Central, most were cleared except Hon. Ayishat Tundun Alanamu, who represents Alanamu/Ajikobi Constituency.
In Kwara South, however, several incumbents failed to secure clearance. Those disqualified include Hon. Ganiyu Folabi Salahu (Omupo Constituency) and Hon. Owolabi Olatunde Rasaq (Share/Oke-Ode Constituency), both from Ifelodun Local Government Area. Others affected are Hon. Bamigboye Joseph (Oke-Ero), Hon. Omotosho Olakunle Rasaq (Isin), and Hon. Yusuf Abdulwaheed Gbenga (Essa/Shawo/Igboidun Constituency).
In contrast, some lawmakers from Oyun Local Government Area, including the Deputy Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Ojo Olayiwola Oyebode, were cleared to proceed.
In Kwara North, two serving lawmakers from Moro Local Government Area were cleared after the screening exercise. However, Hon. Issa Gideon, who represents Edu Constituency and is currently suspended over alleged misconduct, was not cleared to contest for another term.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, and Hon. Ganiyu Gabriel did not obtain nomination forms for re-election. Danladi-Salihu is reportedly eyeing the APC governorship ticket after undergoing screening in Abuja, while Gabriel is said to be contesting for a federal House of Representatives seat.
The screening committee chairman, Prof. Success Musa, said the high number of aspirants reflected the popularity of the All Progressives Congress in Kwara State, noting that internal competition is a sign of a strong democratic process.
He stated that the 158 aspirants for the House of Assembly tickets demonstrated growing interest in the party, adding that the screening process was conducted in line with party guidelines.
The outcome has reportedly sparked tension among some incumbent lawmakers and their supporters across the state, particularly those who failed to secure clearance for second or third terms.
The Kwara State House of Assembly currently has 24 members representing constituencies across the state’s 16 local government areas, with some councils having more than one constituency due to population distribution.
