UK Local Elections 2026: The Nigerian-British Candidates Shaping Their Communities

This Thursday, 7 May 2026, England goes to the polls for the local elections. For the Nigerian diaspora in the UK, this isn’t just another political event—it’s a major “Japa to Governance” moment.

Across London boroughs and the West Midlands, a powerful wave of Nigerian-British candidates is stepping up to lead. From seasoned veterans protecting council services to fresh faces looking to break decades-old glass ceilings, here is your curated guide to the Naija UK Connect stars of 2026.

🏛️ The Veterans: Keeping the Flag Flying

These are the household names who have navigated the halls of power for years, proving that Nigerian excellence is a mainstay in British politics.

Olu Babatola (Labour & Co-operative)

• Ward & Council: Middle Park & Horn Park, Greenwich

• The Lowdown: A true pioneer. In 2016, Babatola made history as the first African Mayor of Greenwich. With 14 years of experience, he’s running to protect SEND (Special Educational Needs) funding and ensure more council homes for the community.

Averil Lekau (Labour & Co-operative)

• Ward & Council: Thamesmead Moorings, Greenwich

• The Lowdown: As the current Deputy Leader of Greenwich Council, Lekau is one of the most powerful Nigerian-British women in local government. She’s the champion of “Co-operative Innovation,” focusing on how the community can partner with the council to improve life in Thamesmead.

🚀 The Trailblazers: Making History

Every election has its “first,” and 2026 is no different.

Tayo Fademini (Labour)

• Ward & Council: Bloxwich West, Walsall

• Why He’s Trending: If Tayo wins, he becomes the first Nigerian and first African ever to represent Bloxwich West. His campaign has been described as “pure grassroots energy,” focusing on making the voices of minority residents heard in the Midlands.

🛡️ The New Challengers & Independent Voices

This year sees a surge in “Independents” and candidates from diverse parties, showing that our community isn’t a political monolith.

• Abi Odunsi (Independent – Harlesden & Kensal Green, Brent): Rejecting the party whip, Abi is running as a “fresh, dedicated voice.” She’s banking on her deep community roots to fix local issues that mainstream parties have missed.

• Ibrahim Balogun (Green Party – Middle Park & Horn Park, Greenwich): Taking a different path, Balogun is bringing the “Green” perspective. He’s advocating for better cycling infrastructure and eco-friendly community hubs.

• Chika Akinwale (Lib Dems – Norwich North): A healthcare warrior. As a district councillor, she’s pushing for better NHS accessibility—a topic every Nigerian in the UK knows is a priority.

• Seyi Agboola (Labour – Stratford-on-Avon): A former UK Parachute Regiment soldier. He’s bringing military-grade discipline to local governance, focusing on veterans’ welfare and infrastructure.

📋 The “Naija UK Connect” Master List: Candidates to Watch

Why This Matters for You

Decisions made at the council level affect your Council Tax, your waste collection, the quality of local schools, and social housing. Whether you’re a “Freshly Squeezed” arrival or a British-Born-Nigerian, seeing “one of our own” on the ballot is a reminder that our community is moving from just living in the UK to leading it.

Make sure you have your Photo ID ready for Thursday!

Who are you rooting for? Let’s discuss in the comments below. 👇

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