Endorsements
NYC Organization of Public Service Retirees
“The NYC Organization of Public Service Retirees proudly endorses Edafe Okporo’s New York City Council candidacy. As a steadfast advocate for retirees, Edafe has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to protecting the hard-earned traditional Medicare benefits of NYC retirees. His dedication to preserving the healthcare security of those who have served our great city is truly commendable.
His pledge to fight for our members' rights ensures that the sacrifices made by public servants will not be forgotten. We urge all NYC retirees and healthcare advocates to support Edafe Okporo in the upcoming election.”
“For New York City Council in District 7, Our Revolution endorses Edafe Okporo — who brings a powerful personal story and a bold vision for justice and equity. His campaign centers on expanding affordable housing, safeguarding public healthcare, defending LGBTQ+ rights, and challenging the influence of real estate developers and austerity-driven politics in City Hall.”
Our Revolution
Sunrise Movement NYC
"Sunrise Movement NYC knows Edafe Okporo will fight against the climate crisis with the same passion he has shown for housing and immigration justice. We are proud to endorse him for city council and join us in fighting to build a liveable NYC."
Edafe’s energy to channel the injustices he faced while immigrating to the United States into a career of public service embodies strong values of perseverance and resilience.
Edafe was forced to flee his home country of Nigeria because of his advocacy for patients seeking HIV treatment. After spending five and a half months in an immigrant detention center, Edafe made it his life’s work to fight for immigrant and asylum rights. In 2021, he began working to help resettle 55,000 Afghan refugees across the country through the Biden Administration’s Operation Allies Welcome. After obtaining U.S. citizenship in 2022, Edafe founded Refuge America to assist LGBTQ asylum seekers.
If elected, Edafe would become the first former asylum seeker to sit on the New York City Council.
New American Leaders Action Fund
Eli Northrup
Policy Director for the Bronx Defenders, former candidate for AD 69
“Our city deserves leadership that places people over politics and focuses on building community. Edafe Okporo will bring that to the City Council. As an activist and Organizer, he has consistently stoop up for those who are marginalized. He has courage and empathy from life experience, and I know that he will lead with a keen sense of morality. I am proud to endorse him and to call him a friend.”
“As a Council Member, I was never afraid to stand up to money or power, whether it was the political machine, billionaire real estate dynasties, or the Mayor. That hasn’t changed for my law practice, where my team is helping insurgents fight them all. One candidate I am proud to represent in getting on the ballot and now endorse is Edafe Okporo. He won the David Prize, started one of the first migrant shelters in our city, and wasn’t willing to tolerate an incumbent who wouldn’t stand up to Eric Adams, even as the Mayor cozied up to Trump by cooperating with ICE. Like me, Edafe is refusing money from real estate developers and will be a champion for affordable housing, safe streets, and a government accountable to constituents.”
Ben Kallos
Former City Council Member
“Our city needs leaders in City Hall who will stand up for and with the people,. Edafe is a true progressive whose work is rooted in helping people and their interests. In 2021, I was proud to run for CD7 as a progressive, and I was proud to have support of Edafe in that race.”
Marti Cummings
LGBTQIA+ activist and former candidate for Council District 7