Kwara APC Primary Crisis Deepens as Group Sues Danladi Over Alleged Double Nomination

The crisis trailing the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in Kwara State has taken a fresh turn as a civil society organisation, Citizens Awareness Against Corruption and Social Vices Initiative, instituted a suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja challenging the candidacy of the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi Salihu.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1112/2026, the group alleged that Danladi participated in both the APC governorship primary and the House of Assembly primary for the Ilesha/Gwanara State Constituency during the same electoral cycle, contrary to the provisions of the Electoral Act.

The plaintiff contended that Danladi was screened, cleared and participated in the APC House of Assembly primary election held on May 20, 2026, while also taking part in the party’s governorship primary conducted on May 21, as well as another exercise reportedly held on May 22, 2026.

According to the originating summons, the organisation is asking the court to determine whether the APC can lawfully sponsor and recognise an aspirant for two separate elective offices within the same election season.

The group further urged the court to determine whether a candidate who contested two different primary elections for separate offices in the same electoral cycle can validly emerge from one contest while issues surrounding the other primary remain unresolved.

Among the reliefs sought, the plaintiff is requesting the court to declare Danladi’s nomination, screening, clearance and participation in both primary elections as a violation of the Electoral Act and regulations governing party nominations.

The organisation also asked the court to nullify Danladi’s emergence as the APC governorship candidate, describing it as unlawful, unconstitutional and void.

In addition, the suit seeks an order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting, publishing or recognising Danladi as the APC governorship candidate if the court upholds the claims of double participation in the party primaries.

The plaintiff is relying on relevant provisions of the Constitution, the Electoral Act, 2026, and the Federal High Court (Pre-Election) Practice Directions to support its case.

The legal challenge marks the latest development in the controversy surrounding the APC governorship primary in Kwara State ahead of the 2027 general elections.