2027: Adesanya-Davies Calls for Christian Governor in Kwara

Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies has called on political parties and stakeholders in Kwara State to prioritise religious inclusion and historical balance in the 2027 governorship election.

Adesanya-Davies, a former presidential candidate, made the call in a statement issued in Ilorin on Thursday, arguing that Kwara should consider producing an elected Christian governor after decades of Muslim leadership at the state level.

She said her position was not aimed at excluding Muslims from political leadership, but at promoting what she described as fair representation in the religiously diverse state.

According to her, the last elected Christian governor of Kwara was Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, whose administration ended following the military takeover of December 1983.

“Kwara belongs to Christians and Muslims alike. No religious community should be made to feel permanently excluded from the highest elective office in the state,” she said.

Adesanya-Davies urged political parties to consider Christian candidates for the governorship where such candidates are credible, competent and broadly acceptable, while stressing that religious identity should not replace merit.

She said competence, integrity, experience, character and commitment to the people must remain central to the choice of governor.
“Competence and inclusion are not enemies. Kwara has Christians who are capable of providing excellent leadership, just as it has capable Muslims,” she added.

She also pointed to the existing political configurations ahead of the 2027 election, noting that the PDP ticket of Bolakale Kawu and Rev. Cornelius Fawenu reflects a Muslim-Christian arrangement.

The former presidential candidate urged Christian and Muslim leaders, traditional rulers, political parties, civil society organisations and young people to discuss religious representation peacefully and responsibly.

She warned against religious incitement, hate speech and attacks on candidates based on their faith.

Adesanya-Davies further clarified that her advocacy was not for the election of a person simply because the candidate is Christian.

“Kwara does not need a governor who is merely Christian. Kwara needs a competent, visionary, accountable and development-oriented governor who happens to be Christian,” she said.

She maintained that any Christian governor elected in 2027 should govern Muslims, Christians and people of other faiths equally and protect the constitutional rights of all citizens.