Baba Afolabi

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Baba Afolabi

Nonpartisan

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 5, 2024

Education

Associate

Laney College, 2003

Bachelor's

California State University, East Bay, 2005

Graduate

John F. Kennedy University, 2010

Personal

Profession

Entrepreneur

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

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Personal LinkedIn

Baba Afolabi ran for election to the Oakland City Council to represent District 3 in California. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Afolabi completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Elections

2024

See also: City elections in Oakland, California (2024)

General election

General election for Oakland City Council District 3

Select round: Round 5 Round 4 Round 3 Round 2 Round 1

The ranked-choice voting election was won by Carroll Fife in round 5 . The results of Round are displayed below. To see the results of other rounds, use the dropdown menu above to select a round and the table will update.

		Candidate	%	Total Votes	Transfer	Round eliminated
		Carroll Fife	58.6	11,437	794	Won (5)
		Warren Logan	41.4	8,069	791	5
		Baba Afolabi	0.0	0	-2,118	4
	Submit photo	Michelle Hailey	0.0	0	0	3
	Submit photo	Meron Semedar	0.0	0	0	2
	Submit photo	Shan Hirsch	0.0	0	0	1

		Candidate	%	Total Votes	Transfer	Round eliminated
		Carroll Fife	53.1	10,643	471	Won (5)
		Warren Logan	36.3	7,278	608	5
		Baba Afolabi	10.6	2,118	291	4
	Submit photo	Michelle Hailey	0.0	0	-1,777	3
	Submit photo	Meron Semedar	0.0	0	0	2
	Submit photo	Shan Hirsch	0.0	0	0	1

		Candidate	%	Total Votes	Transfer	Round eliminated
		Carroll Fife	49.8	10,172	156	Won (5)
		Warren Logan	32.6	6,670	306	5
		Baba Afolabi	8.9	1,827	128	4
	Submit photo	Michelle Hailey	8.7	1,777	163	3
	Submit photo	Meron Semedar	0.0	0	-909	2
	Submit photo	Shan Hirsch	0.0	0	0	1

		Candidate	%	Total Votes	Transfer	Round eliminated
		Carroll Fife	48.6	10,016	59	Won (5)
		Warren Logan	30.9	6,364	102	5
		Baba Afolabi	8.2	1,699	66	4
	Submit photo	Michelle Hailey	7.8	1,614	134	3
	Submit photo	Meron Semedar	4.4	909	75	2
	Submit photo	Shan Hirsch	0.0	0	-627	1

		Candidate	%	Total Votes	Transfer	Round eliminated
		Carroll Fife	47.9	9,957	0	Won (5)
		Warren Logan	30.1	6,262	0	5
		Baba Afolabi	7.9	1,633	0	4
	Submit photo	Michelle Hailey	7.1	1,480	0	3
	Submit photo	Meron Semedar	4.0	834	0	2
	Submit photo	Shan Hirsch	3.0	627	0	1

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 20,793
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Afolabi in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Baba Afolabi completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Afolabi's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m Baba Afolabi, a long-time resident of District 3, and I’m running for Oakland City Council. As a second-generation immigrant with deep roots in Oakland community, I’ve spent the last 26 years living and working in this district. I’ve been a business owner and a community organizer, helping activate Uptown Oakland after the 2008 housing crisis and co-founding events like the Umoja African Festival that we host annually in west Oakland Lowell Park. My passion for Oakland runs deep, and I’ve always focused on creating spaces that uplift and unite people.

With a background in Criminal Justice from Cal State East Bay and an MBA in Organizational Leadership JFK University, I’m prepared to address the critical issues facing our district, from public safety and housing to economic development and environmental justice. I believe in collaboration, transparency, and ensuring that every voice is heard. I’m ready to bring my experience, dedication, and vision to City Hall to make Oakland stronger for all of us. Let’s build a brighter future together." Let revive our city together!

Thank you

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• 1. Public Safety Collaboration: Emphasizing that public safety must be woven into the community, with a focus on collaboration between the Police Department, District Attorney's Office, and city leaders. I will commit to overcoming cross-departmental discord to address safety challenges head-on. Campion community policing and advocate for our at-risk youth.
• 2. Small Business Advocacy: As the only small business owner with nearly two decades of experience in District 3 business scene, I am dedicated to improving the business landscape. My 6-point plan includes emergency funding, retention support, crease tourism approach and expansion of the Black Arts Movement Business District.
• 3. Inclusive and Accountable Leadership: I am not part of the established political circles, which sets you apart. I prioritize inclusivity, real change, and fostering collective success, rather than continuing the cycle of broken promises.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Safety, Small business economy, account ability and housing affordability.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

As the official community leader, you’ll serve as both a representative of the people and a key advisor to the mayor’s personnel. Your role will ensure that the community’s voice is heard at the highest levels, helping to guide decisions that directly impact local residents.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My father!

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Book: Good to Great by Jim Collins.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

1- Attentive listening

2- Have a short and long term vision
3- Seek collaboration with others
4- Strive for accountability

5- Have empathy for others

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

1- Vision for growth

2- Self accountability
3- Deep community involvement

4- Proven Leadership

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

1- Advocate for the community

2- Promote economic growth
3- Ensure public safety
4- Building collaborative solutions

5- Government accountability

What legacy would you like to leave?

Turning Oakland around for the better while being a successful entrepreneur.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The overthrown of Nigerian Head of state in 1983 I believe.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

A Waiter at a local street food vendor for a year or two because I was 13.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Build to Last: Successful habits of visionary company. by Jim Collins

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

N/a

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

The power of positive influence

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

No!

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

Inclusive leadership, pragmatic thought process and

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the local government?

You’ll have the opportunity to engage with multiple stakeholders and facilitate meaningful changes that are essential for the community. By working collaboratively with various groups, you can help foster impactful solutions that address the community's needs.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Financial transparency and government accountability are essential for building trust between the public and their elected officials. I believe that taxpayers have the right to know how their money is being spent, and government decisions should be made openly to ensure ethical practices. This means publishing budgets, improving auditing processes, and holding leaders accountable for their actions. By increasing transparency, we can ensure that resources are used efficiently and equitably, leading to better outcomes for the entire community. Accountability ensures that promises are kept, and leadership remains focused on real, measurable progress.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

See also

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Candidate

Oakland City Council District 3

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