The All Progressives Congress reversed its earlier decision and cleared all Kwara State House of Assembly aspirants on Wednesday in 2027. Party leaders took the step after widespread appeals from affected candidates.
The APC screening committee had disqualified 105 aspirants in May 2026. A total of 158 individuals purchased nomination forms for the 24 seats in the Kwara State House of Assembly.
Only 53 scaled through the initial exercise. Several incumbent lawmakers failed to clear the screening. Party officials cited issues that ranged from incomplete documentation to integrity concerns.
Aspirants who faced disqualification lodged formal appeals. They argued that the process lacked transparency. Many aspirants expressed disappointment over the sudden exclusion after they invested time and resources.
APC national and state leaders reviewed the appeals. They held closed-door meetings with stakeholders in Ilorin. The party announced the reversal after these consultations. Officials stated that they considered unity within the Kwara chapter ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A senior APC official in Kwara said the party listened to the voice of its members. He added that the goal remained to present a strong front in the polls. All original aspirants now stand eligible to contest the party primaries.
Many cleared aspirants welcomed the development. They described the reversal as a victory for internal democracy. Incumbent lawmakers who earlier lost out said they would intensify campaigns in their constituencies.
Party faithful noted that the decision reduced tension. It allowed broader participation in the primaries scheduled later in 2027. Analysts observed that the move could strengthen APC’s position in Kwara State, where the party holds significant influence.
