From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has unveiled former Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in the state, Reverend Cornelius Olaosebikan Fawenu, as the party’s deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
Fawenu will run alongside the PDP’s governorship candidate, Engineer Suleiman Bolakale Kawu Agaka, following what the party described as extensive consultations with party leaders and stakeholders across Kwara’s three senatorial districts.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued in Ilorin by the PDP State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Adewara.
According to the party, Agaka formally communicated his choice of Fawenu to the state chairman after consultations with party stalwarts, describing the cleric as a leader with integrity, humility, compassion and outstanding leadership qualities.
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The statement noted that Fawenu, who hails from Babaloma in Kwara South and currently serves as the PDP Chairman in Kwara South Senatorial District, emerged from a shortlist of four prominent personalities considered for the position.
It said his selection was based on his loyalty to the party, leadership credentials and contributions to peace-building, religious harmony and community development in the state.
“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 said.
The PDP described the Agaka-Fawenu ticket as a blend of experience, innovation, grassroots appeal and religious balance, expressing confidence that the pair would provide the leadership required to return the party to power in 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.
Providing details of Fawenu’s background, the party said the 53-year-old cleric is the Presiding Pastor of Oasis of Wisdom Bible Church, Ilorin, and a graduate of Biochemistry from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
It added that he has spent more than 23 years in Christian ministry, promoting peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians, engaging traditional institutions and advocating good governance and community development.
The PDP maintained that the governorship ticket represents competence, integrity and inclusive leadership needed to address economic challenges, insecurity and governance issues in Kwara State.
The opposition party also appealed to its members, supporters and residents of the state to unite behind the Agaka-Fawenu ticket as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
“We are confident that 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 party stated.
