By Adeola Badru
A Nigerian-American mathematician and educator, Akinyemi Agbede, has officially announced his candidacy for the 2026 gubernatorial election in California, pledging to bring evidence-driven leadership to the state.
Dr. Agbede, who earned a PhD in Mathematical Analysis from the University of Cambridge, said in a Friday interview that his academic training has prepared him to tackle complex policy challenges.
“My background in mathematics has equipped me with the tools to analyse problems carefully and develop practical, data-informed solutions. California needs leadership that is grounded in facts and focused on measurable outcomes,” he said.
Outlining his campaign priorities, Dr. Agbede identified education reform, economic development, technological advancement, and social justice as key areas. He emphasized that sustained investment in these sectors is critical to maintaining California’s long-term competitiveness.
“We must strengthen our schools, expand economic opportunities, embrace innovation, and ensure that fairness is not just an ideal but a lived reality for all Californians,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of representation, Dr. Agbede added, “I want this campaign to demonstrate that public service is open to everyone, regardless of background.”
He noted that early reactions to his candidacy have been encouraging, with enthusiasm from voters seeking a fresh perspective and commitment to evidence-based governance.
“This is about building a future that works for everyone. With determination, transparency, and collaboration, I believe we can achieve that,” he said.
Dr. Agbede’s candidacy marks a milestone for Nigerian Americans in public life, as he becomes the first Nigerian-American to seek the governorship of California. His campaign team plans to engage a broad cross-section of voters, focusing on outreach to diverse demographic groups across the state.
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