A Nigerian-American based in Tennessee, Yomi Faparusi, has announced his candidacy as an independent for Tennessee’s 5th District in the U.S. Congress, targeting the November 5, 2024, election.
Faparusi, during a virtual meeting with reporters over the weekend, expressed his aspirations and the motivations behind his decision to run for office.
Faparusi emphasized that his election victory would serve as an inspiration for future generations. He highlighted several pressing issues facing the country, including hyperinflation, the erosion of the middle class, and the threat to the American dream.
“America is so divided and weakened because politicians now run on divisive and wedge issues,” Faparusi said. “Hence, I decided to run as a unifier, so that things can get done. I also hope my victory in November would inspire the next generation.”
Faparusi, a researcher and an immigration attorney, outlined his priorities, focusing on addressing inflation, supporting small businesses, and fostering bipartisan cooperation in Congress. He criticized the current political gridlock and pledged to work across party lines for the common good.
“There is inflation making it hard to make ends meet; the middle class is disappearing, and the American dream is threatened. I want to tackle inflation. I want to create an environment that is conducive to small businesses, the most important units of job creation,” he stated. “Congress is in stalemate, and nothing is getting done. I will work across the aisle for the common good. Americans are tired of cyclical threats of government shutdowns.”
On immigration, Faparusi pointed out the need for a secure border and a comprehensive immigration plan. “Immigration is in total disarray. Open borders are not a policy; it only makes it hard to have a comprehensive plan. Immigration is not only a social issue; it is a financial/economic issue: you don’t have papers; you can’t get a job. The reality is that most legislators would not entertain any immigration relief package unless the border is secure. Hence, we need to secure the border and get back with a bipartisan comprehensive immigration plan.”
Faparusi’s decision to run as an independent stems from his desire to remain unbound by party affiliations. “I am running as an Independent because I do not want to be beholden to any party. I still have a political ideology,” he said. “There is something called an advantage of incumbency, but incumbents lose, as I hope in November. The TN 5th district is ideologically diverse, and it needs to be represented by someone who understands and appreciates this diversity. I will represent all the people and not just a partisan segment.”
Faparusi highlighted his background in business and law as assets for his candidacy. “I am a business owner and I know about job creation. Also, I have had to work with diverse stakeholders hence I learnt how to listen and be humble. These have allowed me to be a good negotiator in any forum. As an immigrant and now an immigration attorney, I know the practicalities of immigration.”
Emphasizing his campaign theme, Faparusi said, “As simplistic as it seems, the theme of my agenda is ‘I care’. I care about your concerns, and I want to go to Washington to serve you. I hope that you will give me a chance to represent you and I will always be answerable to you, my constituents. I will advocate for your concerns and needs without fear of retribution because I have placed the people above party. At the end, everything will be okay.”
Yomi Faparusi was born at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, with ancestral roots in Ode-Ekiti, Gbonyin LGA in Ekiti State. He graduated as a medical doctor from the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, and was active in student union politics, serving as the Hall Chairman of Alexander Brown Hall.
Now based in Tennessee, Faparusi is a licensed physician and attorney, focusing on immigration law in his practice.
