Update: Nigerian-born Democrat, Oye elected as Shadow US Rep, emerges 1st Nigerian congressman in history

A Nigerian-born Democrat, Oye Owolewa, has been elected as a shadow United States Representative out of the District of Columbia.

This was disclosed by ABC 7 News via its Twitter handle early on Wednesday morning.

It tweeted, “Democrat Oye Owolewa will be elected as a shadow U.S. Representative out of the District of Columbia.”

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How Oye won

Based on the results, Oye had 82.65% of the votes, which represents 135,234 votes against Joyce Robinson-Paul, who had 15,541 votes, and Sohaer Syed with 12,846 votes.

JUST IN: Democrat Oye Owolewa will be elected as a shadow U.S. Representative out of the District of Columbia.

ELECTION RESULTS: https://t.co/PAxfz7AJQl pic.twitter.com/4jP0NxB0Ux

— ABC 7 News – WJLA (@ABC7News) November 4, 2020

Click here to see the election results:

Meanwhile, the Nigeria in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), has congratulated the feat recorded by Oye

In the letter of congratulations, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, DG, NIDCOM, said she was pleased with the wonderful feat of Mr Owolewa, describing it as well deserved.

She acknowledged the sterling qualities of Owolewa as a role model to the youths and a good ambassador of Nigeria which endeared him to the grassroot leading to his historical election into the US Parliament.

She advised him to diligently carry out his duties as a new congressman in such a way as to positively impact on the community who entrusted him with their votes.

Despite the campaign being toilsome, Owolewa pulled through and won.

“This goes to show that with dedication, hardwork, resilience and prayer one can achieve just about anything”, Dabiri-Erewa said.

PRESS RELEASE

DABIRI EREWA FELICITATES WITH OYE OWOLEWA, FIRST NIGERIAN TO WIN USA CONGRESSIONAL SEAT

ABUJA, NOV. 04, 2020: Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission ( NIDCOM) has congratulated Mr Oye Owolewa [@AdeoyeOwolewa], the first Nigerian pic.twitter.com/ks3b7IGwMl

— Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (@nidcom_gov) November 4, 2020

What you should know

Oye Owolewa, whose father is from Kwara State and mother is from Oyo, is aiming for a ‘shadow’ (non-voting) seat in the House of Representatives.

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Owolewa, a PhD holder in Pharmacy from the Northeastern University, Boston, is seeking to represent the District of Columbia under the Democratic Party.

What it means

The 30-year-old is the first Nigerian congressman in the country’s history.