Celebrations continue in NJ as Onyema, Sherrill prepare for Jan. 20, 2026 inauguration.

On the night of November 4,  2025, Chigozie  Onyema an America Akalite secured a decisive victory in the New Jersey House of Assembly race for the 28th Legislative District. Running unopposed, Onyema who hails from Uba Umuaka will represent parts of Newark, the Essex County towns of Irvington, Maplewood and South Orange, and the Union County town of Hillside.

Down in Umuaka Imo State Nigeria, the news sparked a festival of, dancing and merrymaking; Akalites reportedly gathered under the evening sky, both in Amiyi (his maternal home), Uba and other parts of Umuaka and sang the praises of their son who had climbed from the streets of Umuaka to the halls of Trenton. The celebrations have continued to gather momentum till date.

In New Jersey, Onyema’s mother, Caroline Onyema beaming with joy, shared the moment with governor‑elect Mikie Sherrill, a fellow Democrat who had campaigned alongside with Onyema just weeks earlier. The two women raised a glass to “the New Jersey that works for everyone,” echoing Onyema’s own slogan.

Akalites in America, UK, Canada and many other countries including South Africa and Germany have continued to send their messages of congratulations to Onyema and his team. Not left out are dignitaries from New Jersey, labor unions and the Working Families Party, a U.S. political organization that focuses on progressive economic issues such as raising the minimum wage, expanding healthcare, and protecting labour rights while often cross‑endorsing Democratic candidates.

The victory also drew commentaries from Akalites in Nigeria; several of them spoke with the local correspondents of Umuaka Times who questioned whether Onyema could have risen to such a political height in Nigeria, where corruption often blocks merit. “If he were here, the system would have tried to keep him down,” one Akalite said, while another urged, “Let the best of us lead the rest of us and end corruption.” Their remarks underscored a broader call for transparent, merit‑based leadership in both countries.

Umuaka Times correspondents gathered that many Americans and Nigerians considered Chigozie Onyema’s victory as a bridge linking the hopes of a small Nigerian town of Umuaka to the exposure of a more inclusive New Jersey. The celebrations, the messages and the conversations about integrity are just the beginning of what many hope will be a long, fruitful journey for the attorney‑turned‑legislator.

Mikie  Sherrill, the New Jersey’s 57th governor-elect will be inaugurated on January 20,  2026 alongside Mr  Chigozie Onyema. Umuaka Times correspondents in America gathered that Attorney Chigozie Onyema after the inauguration will be counted among prominent Igbo sons who have held or continued to hold political offices in America. Such people include – John  Amaechi – former NBA star who ran for the U.S. House of Representatives (Democratic primary, 2022).

Cheta  Ozougwu, a community organizer who served as a legislative aide in New York City and has been active in local Democratic politics. Chioma  Ubogagu a former staffer on Capitol Hill and campaign advisor for several congressional races. Valerian Ume Ezeoke who was appointed to handle a senior policy role in the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs under Governor Phil Murphy.