US election: Nigerian loses bid to become Missouri Secretary of State

A Nigerian-American, Yinka Faleti, has failed in his bid to become the Missouri Secretary of State in the 2020 United States election conducted on Tuesday.

The result of the election showed that Missouri Secretary of State and Republican party candidate, Jay Ashcroft was re-elected.

However, Faleti in a series of tweet said he would “continue to fight” for the development of Missouri.

“While the results of this election did not go the way we wanted, I am grateful for the support of so many who brought us this far.

“With your help and support, we have brought attention to the fight to have every vote counted.

“We have shone light on dark efforts to suppress voter turnout, disenfranchise communities and rob Missourians of their ability to decide their own future on their own terms. But our work is not yet over.

“Civic engagement does not end after an election. Voting is only the beginning. Those who we elect are supposed to serve the people; and, in turn, the people are meant to hold their elected officials accountable. I ask you to do that.

“As I have said since the beginning of our campaign, democracy demands participation. Our democracy is strong only if we the people exercise our power to hold our elected leaders to account.

“The future is bright for Missouri—if we make it so. I will continue that fight. My ask of you is to do the same.

“In Missouri, a Republican-controlled state, Mr Yinka Faleti from Lagos is the Democratic Party standardbearer in the election for the office of Secretary of State,” he tweeted.

Faleti was in the U.S. Army as an active-duty officer from 1998 to 2004. He served in Kuwait, first under Operation Desert Spring and later as part Operation Enduring Freedom.

The 44-year-old father of four holds a Bachelor’s degree from the United States Military Academy, West Point, and a Juris Doctorate from the Washington University School of Law.

His goals as a Secretary of State include protection of the “right to vote for Missouri families,” and ensuring elected officials hear the people’s voice.