Nigerian-American politician KC Ohaebosim has been elected Lieutenant Governor of Kansas, making history as the first Nigerian-American to occupy the position in the United States.
The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, announced his victory in a post on X on Friday, congratulating him on his success in the November 3 midterm elections.
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Dabiri-Erewa described the result as a milestone for Nigerians in the diaspora, noting that Ohaebosim had become the first Nigerian-American elected to the office.
A lieutenant governor serves as the deputy to a state governor, a position comparable to that of a deputy governor in Nigeria.
Ohaebosim will serve alongside Governor-elect Cindy Holscher, a Democrat from Overland Park, who defeated Republican Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson in a closely contested race.
According to Kansas City public radio station KCUR, Holscher won by approximately 0.6 per cent, representing fewer than 8,000 votes.
An audit delayed the official declaration of the result for more than a week after Election Day.
Ohaebosim, a Wichita Democrat, has represented Kansas House of Representatives District 89 since 2017.
He did not seek re-election to the state legislature in 2026 after joining Holscher’s gubernatorial ticket.
Born in Wichita, Kansas, he is the son of Nigeria-born physician, Dr Linus Ohaebosim.
He spent part of his childhood and received some of his early education in Nigeria before returning to Kansas.
He attended Wichita Heights High School and later earned a bachelor’s degree from Wichita State University.
He also holds a Master of Business Administration from Newman University, both institutions located in Wichita.
Before venturing into politics, Ohaebosim worked in technology-related positions, including as a data analyst.
During his time in the Kansas House of Representatives, he served on several committees, including Transportation, General Government Budget, and Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications, where he was the ranking minority member.
His election also represents a milestone in the state’s political history.
KCUR reported that Ohaebosim would become the second Black person elected to a statewide office in Kansas, following former State Auditor Edward McCabe in 1882.
His victory comes amid wider Democratic gains in Kansas during the November 3 elections.
Democrats also secured the state’s attorney general position and a US Senate seat, while breaking the Republican supermajority in the state House of Representatives.
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Holscher and Ohaebosim are expected to assume office in 2027.
Peculiar Adirika is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
