APC screens 158 assembly aspirants ahead of 2027 elections

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

The All Progressives Congress (APC) State House of Assembly Screening and Appeal Committee in Kwara State has assured aspirants contesting for seats in the state assembly of a transparent and unbiased screening process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Chairman of the committee, Prof. Success Musa, gave the assurance on Monday before the commencement of the screening exercise at the APC secretariat in Ilorin, the state capital.

Musa said the large number of aspirants seeking the party’s ticket for the State House of Assembly reflected the level of internal democracy within the APC in Kwara State.

According to him, no fewer than 158 aspirants obtained nomination forms to contest for seats in the state assembly, describing the development as a sign of confidence in the leadership of the party.

“About 158 aspirants bought forms for the House of Assembly alone. That is democracy and that is what the APC represents under the leadership of the party chairman and the governor,” he said.

The committee chairman stated that members of the panel were selected based on their credibility and integrity, assuring all aspirants that they would be given fair treatment during the exercise. He also urged the contestants to conduct themselves with maturity and decorum throughout the process.

Earlier, the Kwara State Chairman of the APC, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, said the screening exercise was aimed at ensuring that all aspirants submitted valid and complete documents to avoid future complications for the party.

Fagbemi explained that after the screening exercise, the appeal committee would attend to complaints and observations from aspirants to ensure fairness and transparency in the selection process. He stressed that no aspirant would be unfairly treated or favoured.

He further advised the aspirants to remain orderly and peaceful during the exercise, noting that they were all prospective lawmakers and should conduct themselves in a responsible manner befitting future representatives of the people.

Speaking separately after their screening, the House Leader of the 10th Kwara State House of Assembly, Barr. Abdulkadir Oba, who is seeking re-election, and another aspirant, Abdulrasheed Akogun, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the exercise.

The aspirants also appealed to party members who may not emerge successful in the screening process to accept the outcome in good faith and demonstrate sportsmanship in the interest of party unity and progress ahead of the 2027 elections.