From the Polling Booth to Public Office: How One Nigerian American Group Is Fostering a New Generation of Voters and Leaders in Maryland.

For Dr. Chris Ademiluyi, leader of the United Nigerian Americans Council in Maryland (UNAC-MD), the mission is clear: stop sitting on the sidelines and start shaping the future of American democracy.

In a recent statement shared with Diaspora Tales on Friday, Ademiluyi explained that her organization isn’t just another community group it’s a launchpad for civic engagement. Founded in 2019, UNAC-MD was built with a specific goal: to push more Nigerian Americans to not only register and vote, but to seriously consider running for political office themselves.

"We want to move our people from being passive observers to active participants," Ademiluyi said. "Our vision is to see more of our faces at voting booths, in local government meetings, and on the ballot."

The council is particularly focused on Maryland, where a growing Nigerian American population has yet to see itself fully reflected in political leadership. Through awareness campaigns and community organizing, UNAC-MD works to change that. According to Ademiluyi, the group also respects a unique cultural stance within the community: while many members are hesitant to make direct financial contributions to politicians, they see their votes as the most powerful currency they have.

"We don't just want people to vote once," she added. "We want passionate, informed voters who consistently show up and make a real difference in elections and policy decisions."

The statement also served as a defense of Nigerian Americans currently seeking or holding public office a growing but still underrepresented demographic. For Ademiluyi and her team, every elected official of Nigerian descent is a step closer to meaningful representation.

As the 2024 election cycle heats up, UNAC-MD is doubling down on its grassroots efforts, proving that the Nigerian American voice in Maryland isn’t just asking to be heard it’s ready to lead.