Kwara senators urge APC to revisit primary election outcome

…call for audit of party structure

…urge action against insecurity

The three senators representing Kwara State at the National Assembly have called on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to review the outcome of the party’s recently concluded primary elections, warning that the process has generated controversy and deepened grievances among stakeholders.

The senators, Sen. Oyelola Yisa Ashiru (Kwara South), Sen. Sadiq Suleiman Umar (Kwara North), and Sen. Saliu Mustapha (Kwara Central), made the call in a joint statement issued after what they described as a comprehensive assessment of the political situation in the state following the party primaries.

The lawmakers expressed concern over what they termed the erosion of party cohesion, stating that legitimate stakeholders had been excluded from key decision-making processes.

According to them, the governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly primaries generated avoidable controversies that could threaten the unity of the party if not properly addressed.

They particularly questioned the outcome of the screening exercise for the State House of Assembly primaries, noting that about 70 per cent of serving lawmakers were unable to scale through the process.

“Most disturbingly, approximately 70 per cent of sitting lawmakers were unable to clear the screening exercise for the State House of Assembly. This outcome, on its face, cannot be reconciled with the principles of merit, fairness and institutional memory,” the senators said.

The lawmakers urged the appropriate organs of the party to revisit the disqualification of experienced incumbents across the Senate, House of Representatives and State Assembly contests, stressing the need to consider proven capacity and demonstrated service.

As part of measures to address the growing discontent within the party, the senators called for the immediate constitution of a high-level Grievance and Reconciliation Committee by the Kwara APC Executive and the National Working Committee.

They said the committee should be given a 30-day mandate to reconcile aggrieved members and reintegrate stakeholders who feel marginalised.

The senators also demanded a comprehensive audit of APC structures across the state’s 193 wards and 16 local government areas.

According to them, such an exercise is necessary to rebuild grassroots participation, restore internal discipline and protect young people from criminal influences.

They further raised concerns over the security situation in the state, noting that persistent banditry and kidnapping in rural communities were undermining agricultural productivity and worsening food inflation.

The lawmakers called for urgent and coordinated action to tackle insecurity and safeguard lives and livelihoods across the state.

“The Caucus reaffirms its dedication to security, employment, education, healthcare and infrastructure as the enduring pillars of our service to Kwarans,” they stated.

The senators urged party leaders and members to place the interest of the APC above personal and factional considerations, expressing hope that the party would emerge stronger and more united from the current challenges.

“This is a moment that calls for patriotism above factionalism, and the party above self. Kwara APC must emerge from this period stronger, broader and more united,” the statement added.