The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State successfully conducted ward congresses in all 193 wards of the state on Wednesday, marking a smooth and largely peaceful process as party members chose new grassroots leadership.
Across areas including Ilorin, the state capital as well as parts of Asa, Ekiti and Baruten, the atmosphere was described as calm and festive, with delegates and party supporters participating in the exercises without major disruptions.
Speaking at the party secretariat in Ilorin, State APC Chairman Sunday Fagbemi said the congresses saw leaders emerge through affirmation, a method where candidates are endorsed by consensus rather than contested ballots. He explained that while the process was affirmatory, it complied with the party’s constitution and procedures.
The Chairman of the Congress Committee and Deputy State APC Chairman, Abdullahi Samari, noted that all participants had been screened before the exercise, emphasising that only accredited and vetted party faithful were eligible to be affirmed into positions.
Oche Muhammed, Secretary of the Screening Committee, confirmed that the list of aspirants was thoroughly verified and that early results were already being received from different wards.
Local party leaders also praised the conduct of the congresses. In Ilorin West Local Government Area, party officials reaffirmed their chairmen and executives, describing the process as inclusive and representative of the party’s stakeholders, elders, women and youth alike.
The peaceful and affirmatory nature of the exercise was highlighted as a positive sign ahead of subsequent phases of the party’s internal calendar as APC consolidates its grassroots structures statewide.
