The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced Reverend Cornelius Fawenu as the running mate to its governorship candidate, Bolakale Kawu, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The development was disclosed in a statement released on Wednesday in Ilorin by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Adewara.
According to the statement, Fawenu emerged after an extensive consultation process involving party leaders, stakeholders and key figures drawn from the three senatorial districts of the state.
Adewara explained that Kawu officially informed the party leadership of his decision by forwarding a letter to the state chairman, indicating Reverend Fawenu as his preferred deputy governorship candidate after broad consultations with party elders and influential stakeholders.
In the letter, Kawu described the cleric as a leader whose personal qualities and track record make him well-suited for the position.
“Rev. Fawenu is a man of proven integrity, humility, compassion and exceptional leadership whose emergence reflects the party’s commitment to presenting a competent, inclusive and people-oriented ticket capable of restoring purposeful governance to Kwara State,” he said.
The PDP noted that Fawenu, who hails from Babaloma in Ifelodun Local Government Area, currently serves as the party’s Kwara South Senatorial Chairman and will join Kawu, the Daniyan of Ilorin, on the party’s governorship ticket.
The party stated that the selection process was comprehensive, involving consultations with stakeholders from Kwara North, Kwara Central and Kwara South to ensure broad acceptance of the eventual choice.
“The emergence of Reverend Fawenu followed extensive consultations, deliberations and a rigorous selection process involving the party’s governorship candidate and critical stakeholders from the three senatorial districts of the state,” the statement read.
According to the PDP, the Kawu-Fawenu partnership reflects its commitment to inclusive leadership, competence and equitable representation across the state.
“The Kawu-Fawenu ticket combines experience, innovation, grassroots engagement and religious balancing. The party has positioned itself to rescue and secure Kwara and its people from the current misgovernance and insecurity,” the statement added.
The party disclosed that Fawenu, aged 53, was selected from a shortlist of four prominent individuals considered for the deputy governorship position.
It explained that his emergence was influenced by his leadership record, unwavering commitment to the PDP, loyalty to the party and contributions to promoting peaceful coexistence, religious harmony and community development.
Fawenu holds a degree in Biochemistry from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and currently serves as the Presiding Pastor of Oasis of Wisdom Bible Church in Ilorin.
He is also a former Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
The PDP noted that the cleric has spent more than two decades in Christian ministry, during which he has actively promoted interfaith dialogue, encouraged peaceful relations between Christians and Muslims, and collaborated with traditional institutions and community groups on peace-building initiatives.
The party expressed confidence that the governorship ticket possesses the experience, integrity and leadership qualities required to address the state’s challenges if elected in 2027.
“The Kawu/Fawenu ticket embodies the competence, integrity, experience and inclusive leadership required to rescue Kwara State from the last eight years of hardship and insecurity and place it firmly on the path of sustainable development, economic prosperity, social justice and accountable governance.”
“The Peoples Democratic Party therefore calls on all members of the party, supporters and indeed all well-meaning Kwarans to rally behind this formidable ticket as the movement to reclaim and reposition Kwara State gathers momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections,” the statement stated.
The PDP believes that presenting a Muslim-Christian ticket will strengthen its electoral prospects by appealing to voters across the state’s religious and regional divides as preparations for the 2027 governorship contest intensify.
