The All Progressives Congress (APC) has reversed the mass disqualification of aspirants seeking tickets for the Kwara State House of Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections, clearing all 159 contenders in a dramatic turnaround.
According to a report by Punch Newspapers, the party initially disqualified 105 out of 158 aspirants after a screening exercise conducted on May 11, 2026, leaving only 53 cleared to contest.
However, a revised screening document obtained in Ilorin showed that all aspirants across the state’s 24 constituencies have now been cleared to proceed in the race.
The updated list also increased the number of aspirants from 158 to 159 following the inclusion of the Speaker of the House, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, who was absent from the original list.
The earlier outcome had sparked tension within APC ranks, particularly among serving lawmakers seeking second and third terms in office.
Some of the lawmakers initially listed as “uncleared” included Ganiyu Folabi Salahu, Owolabi Olatunde Rasaq, Bamigboye Joseph, Omotosho Olakunle Rasaq and Yusuf Abdulwaheed Gbenga.
Also affected in the initial screening was Issa Gideon, who is currently under suspension by the House over alleged misconduct.
The revised clearance is being seen as a significant political shift within the ruling party in Kwara State.
Danladi-Salihu, regarded as a major political figure in the state, had reportedly been considered a governorship hopeful before stepping back after Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq allegedly backed Yahaya Seriki as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship race.
Speaking during the screening exercise, committee chairman Success Musa said the large number of aspirants reflected the APC’s growing popularity in the state.
He said, “I learnt we have 158 aspirants for the House of Assembly alone. That is democracy. That is what APC represents.”
The latest development has intensified political discussions within APC structures across Kwara as stakeholders react to the sudden reversal of the earlier disqualifications.
