A Nigerian national, Yemi Mobolade, has been democratically elected to serve as the mayor of Colorado Springs, a municipality located in the state of Colorado within the United States of America.
According to Colorado Sun, Mobolade has made history by becoming the first Black man to be elected to lead the city during a period of political turmoil.
The recently elected mayor, who is a Nigerian immigrant and entrepreneur, secured the position despite lacking prior political experience.
Mobolade emerged as the victor in the city’s runoff election on Tuesday evening, having defeated Wayne Williams, thereby assuming the position of mayor.
The triumph of Mobolade signifies a significant political upheaval in Colorado Springs, which has traditionally been recognised as a bastion of conservatism. According to the report, Wayne Williams identifies as a member of the Republican party, whereas Mobolade’s political affiliation is unaffiliated.
As of 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Mobolade had garnered 57% of the vote while Williams had obtained 43%. At approximately 7:30 p.m., Williams conceded. Upon the release of the subsequent set of results, which occurred just prior to 9 p.m., there was no observable alteration in the percentages.
Mobolade is set to assume the position of the 42nd mayor of the city, succeeding Mayor John Suthers, who was term-limited. Mayor Suthers is a former federal prosecutor and Colorado attorney general.