The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday officially unveiled retired civil servant Bolakale Kawu as its governorship candidate for the 2027 election, alongside the Presiding Pastor of Oasis of Wisdom Bible Church, Ilorin, Cornelius Fawenu, as his running mate.
The party said the choice of Fawenu fulfilled its commitment to field a Muslim-Christian ticket for the governorship poll.
The unveiling ceremony, held at the party’s state secretariat in Ilorin, drew party leaders, stakeholders, members and supporters from across the state.
Speaking at the event, the Kwara PDP Chairman, Isa Adamu, described the unveiling as a significant milestone in the party’s preparations for the 2027 governorship election.
According to Adamu, Kawu nominated Fawenu as his running mate after extensive consultations with party leaders and stakeholders across the state. He said the selection followed a rigorous process involving four qualified nominees, with Fawenu emerging as the preferred choice based on his competence, integrity, experience and contributions to community development, peacebuilding and humanitarian service.
He also praised Fawenu for withdrawing from the race for the Kwara South Senatorial ticket in the interest of the party, describing the decision as a demonstration of loyalty, discipline and selfless leadership.
Adamu disclosed that the PDP had begun the constitutional process of notifying its national leadership of the vacancy created by Fawenu’s withdrawal from the senatorial contest.
He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to providing purposeful leadership in Kwara State, promising to prioritise security, economic growth, quality education, youth and women empowerment, agriculture and transparent governance if elected.
In his acceptance speech, Fawenu thanked God and the party leadership for the confidence reposed in him. He also expressed appreciation to the party’s leader, Bukola Saraki, Kawu, the state chairman, the State Working Committee, the Council of Elders and party members across the state for their support.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Kwara State, Bishop STG Adewole, represented by Rev. Yemi Adepoju, urged political parties, candidates and residents to uphold peace and unity as preparations for the 2027 general election gather pace.
Adepoju called on political actors to focus on issue-based campaigns and avoid actions capable of disrupting the peaceful atmosphere in the state, stressing that the interest of Kwara State should take precedence over personal and partisan considerations.
