Abike Dabiri-Erewa Celebrates Historic US Wins As Two Nigerian-Americans Become Lieutenant Governors, 15 Nigerians Elected

Abike Dabiri-Erewa Celebrates Historic US Wins As Two Nigerian-Americans Become Lieutenant Governors, 15 Nigerians Elected

Abuja, Nov. 13, 2026

It was a night of pride for Nigeria in America, and the Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, was quick to celebrate it.

Dabiri-Erewa has congratulated two Nigerian-Americans, KC Ohaebosim and Shirley U. Emehelu, on their historic emergence as Lieutenant Governors in the United States, describing their wins as a victory for Nigeria and for every Nigerian abroad.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa Hails KC Ohaebosim As First Nigerian-American Lieutenant Governor In US History

KC Ohaebosim, a Democrat from Wichita, was elected Lieutenant Governor of Kansas, becoming the first Nigerian-American ever to hold the office in the US.

For Dabiri-Erewa, Ohaebosim’s election is not just a Kansas story, it is a Nigerian story, proof that Nigerians can rise to the highest levels of leadership anywhere in the world.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa Hails Shirley Emehelu As First Immigrant Lieutenant Governor Of New Jersey

Dabiri-Erewa also celebrated Nigerian-born lawyer, Shirley U. Emehelu, who was appointed Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey by Governor Mikie Sherrill.

Emehelu’s appointment makes her the first immigrant to occupy the position in the state, and it also creates another first: for the first time in New Jersey history, the state’s two highest executive offices are simultaneously held by women.

Dabiri-Erewa: Their Wins Prove Nigerian Excellence, Resilience And Leadership

According to Dabiri-Erewa, the victories of Ohaebosim and Emehelu are not only personal milestones, but a source of pride for Nigeria and the entire Nigerian diaspora.

She described their emergence as clear evidence of the excellence, resilience, and leadership capacity of Nigerians abroad, adding that their success will inspire young Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to pursue public service and leadership with confidence.

The NiDCOM Boss urged both leaders to use their new offices to continue to represent Nigeria with integrity, excellence and distinction, as she wished them the most productive tenure.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa Celebrates 15 Nigerians Elected In US

Ohaebosim’s election has brought the total number of Nigerians elected in the US polls to 15, a figure Dabiri-Erewa says shows the growing political power of the Nigerian diaspora.

Notable winners include Will Jawando, who won as Montgomery County Executive in Maryland; Oye Owolewa, At-Large Member of the DC Council; and Junior Ezeonu, Texas House Representative for District 101.

Others include Olaleye Onikuyide (Connecticut), Ukeme Jeter (Ohio), Odus Evbagharha (Texas), and Carol Kazeem, who retained her Pennsylvania House seat.

In Georgia, Gabe Okoye, Phil Olaleye and Solomon Adesanya also won their State House races, while Segun Adeyina also won District 110.

Others are Esther Agbaje who was re-elected to the Minnesota House, Justin Onwenu, Michigan and Janelle Anyanonu of New Mexico.

Dabiri-Erewa commended all the candidates for their commitment to public service, while wishing them an impactful tenure. The statement was E-signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, (mnipr), Head: Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, NiDCOM.

Which win makes you proudest as a Nigerian, Ohaebosim in Kansas or Emehelu in New Jersey? Drop their name in the comments and share this to celebrate Nigerian excellence abroad.