Kwara PDP Chooses Ex-CAN Secretary as Governorship Running Mate

The Nyesom Wike group of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has named the former Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Cornelius Fawenu, as the running mate to its governorship candidate, Kawu Agaka, for the 2027 election.

This announcement came in a statement released in Ilorin on Wednesday by the party’s publicity secretary, Olusegun Adewara.

Mr Agaka informed the party’s state chairman of his decision to choose Mr Fawenu as his running mate in a letter after discussions with party members.

The PDP stated that picking the cleric shows its aim to offer a balanced, capable, and people-focused ticket that can provide a real alternative to the current government in the state.

“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,” Kawu Agaka said in the statement.

The party mentioned that Mr Fawenu, from Babaloma in Kwara South Senatorial District, is currently the PDP Chairman in the district. He was chosen after a careful selection process that included four candidates.

His selection was based on his leadership skills, loyalty to the party, and efforts to promote peace, religious harmony, and community development across the state.

The PDP believes this ticket combines experience, innovation, grassroots support, and a balance of faith.

“The Kawu/Fawenu ticket embodies the competence, integrity, experience and inclusive leadership needed to pull Kwara State out of eight years of hardship and insecurity and set it on a path of sustainable growth, economic prosperity, social justice and accountable governance,” the party stated.

Mr Fawenu, aged 53, is the Presiding Pastor of Oasis of Wisdom Bible Church in Ilorin. He earned a degree in Biochemistry from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and has been in Christian ministry for over 23 years.

The PDP described him as a respected Pentecostal minister, advocate for interfaith dialogue, and supporter of peaceful relations between Muslims and Christians. He has worked closely with traditional institutions and communities to promote dialogue, peace, and development in Kwara State.