Kwara PDP Picks Ex-CAN Scribe Fawenu as Agaka’s Running Mate
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has unveiled former Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend Cornelius Olaosebikan Fawenu, as the running mate to its governorship candidate, Engineer Suleiman Bolakale Kawu Agaka, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued in Ilorin on Tuesday by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara.
According to the party, Agaka formally communicated his decision to nominate Fawenu as his preferred deputy governorship candidate to the state chairman after what it described as extensive consultations with party leaders, stakeholders and members across the three senatorial districts of the state.
The PDP said the choice of Fawenu was based on his leadership qualities, commitment to the party and record of promoting peace and religious harmony.
Describing his running mate, Agaka said Fawenu possesses the qualities needed to strengthen the party’s campaign and governance agenda.
He said, “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.”
Fawenu, who hails from Babaloma in Kwara South Senatorial District, currently serves as the PDP Chairman in the district. He is also the Presiding Pastor of Oasis of Wisdom Bible Church, Ilorin.
The party disclosed that the cleric emerged from a shortlist of four prominent personalities considered for the deputy governorship position after what it described as a rigorous selection process.
It added that the Agaka-Fawenu ticket offers a combination of political experience, grassroots connection, innovation and religious balance, which it believes will enhance the party’s chances in the 2027 election.
“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 said.
Highlighting Fawenu’s credentials, the PDP said he is a graduate of Biochemistry from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and has spent more than 23 years in Christian ministry.
The party noted that beyond his pastoral work, Fawenu has earned recognition as an advocate of interfaith harmony, peaceful coexistence, good governance and community development across the state.
It expressed confidence that the governorship ticket represents the competence, integrity and inclusive leadership needed to address insecurity, economic challenges and governance issues in the state.
The PDP 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.
“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 added.
