By Our Correspondent
National News – Kwara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, May 11, 2026, screened 158 aspirants contesting for 24 seats in the Kwara State House of Assembly ahead of the 2026 election cycle.
The exercise, conducted in Ilorin, the state capital, was supervised by a screening committee led by Prof. Success Musa.
According to the party, the large number of aspirants reflects growing internal democracy, acceptability, and political strength of the APC in Kwara State.
Musa stated that the screening was designed to ensure that only qualified, credible, and legally compliant candidates emerge to represent the party at the polls.
He warned that the party would not risk electoral setbacks caused by improper documentation or eligibility issues, referencing past legal disputes in other states such as Bayelsa.
Aspirants were urged to cooperate fully and maintain order throughout the process, which was described as transparent and seamless.
Kwara APC Chairman, Mr Sunday Fagbemi, reaffirmed that the screening exercise was aimed at strengthening the party’s internal democracy and preventing avoidable electoral setbacks during the 2026 House of Assembly elections in Nigeria.
He explained that all aspirants were required to meet strict nomination and documentation standards to ensure compliance with electoral guidelines and court precedents.
Fagbemi emphasized that the party would not compromise on fairness, transparency, and due process, noting that an appeal committee would immediately handle complaints arising from the screening process.
He further stressed the importance of unity among aspirants, urging unsuccessful contestants to support eventual winners in the interest of party victory.
Observers noted that about 30% of female aspirants participated, reflecting growing gender inclusion in Kwara politics under the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
Aspirants including Magaji Oba Abdulkadir, AbdulRasheed Akogun, and Fatimah Jiyah commended the orderly conduct of the exercise, describing it as open, credible, and competitive.
The APC leadership reiterated its commitment to delivering a strong slate of candidates capable of winning the 24 House of Assembly seats across Kwara State.
