In a final, high-stakes push for votes, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump began a hectic sweep across key U.S. swing states on Sunday. With less than 48 hours until Election Day, both campaigns are vying for an edge in what promises to be a fiercely contested presidential race.

At a rally in Pennsylvania, Trump urged supporters to take action. “The fate of our nation is in your hands. On Tuesday, you have to stand up,” he stated, while repeating claims of election fraud.

According to AFP, over 76 million Americans have already cast their ballots, bringing the race down to the wire. More states are polling as close in this election as in any recent race, highlighting the tight competition.

The campaign’s final days have been marked by contrasting styles and visions, with the last New York Times/Siena poll showing marginal changes in the battleground states but remaining within the margin of error.

Harris, focusing on securing Democratic-leaning Great Lakes states, spent Sunday campaigning in Michigan, with stops in Detroit, Pontiac, and a rally at Michigan State University. Trump’s itinerary centered on Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia – three highly influential states in the Electoral College system.

Trump, expected to challenge unfavorable results, cited isolated voting irregularities as evidence of widespread “cheating.” “They are fighting so hard to steal this damn thing,” he declared to his Pennsylvania audience.

The Harris campaign faced backlash from a large Arab-American population in Michigan due to criticism over the administration’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Polls also show a decline in Black support, though Harris’s team is encouraged by a high turnout among women, spurred by concerns over reproductive rights.

In a surprise appearance on “Saturday Night Live,” Harris drew laughs alongside comedian Maya Rudolph, boosting her visibility as she embraced her “fun aunt” persona. The campaign also booked a two-minute ad during NFL games, pledging unity and a “brighter future for all Americans.”

Saturday’s Des Moines Register poll showed Harris leading in Iowa, a state Trump previously won decisively. Trump dismissed the findings, calling it a “fake poll” during his Pennsylvania rally.

Kemi Badenoch, a British-Nigerian politician with a powerful story, is now the leader of the UK Conservative Party, marking a historical moment for British politics. Known for her bold stances on social issues and a fierce commitment to conservative principles, Badenoch’s journey to leadership has been marked by resilience, a deep commitment to British values, and a rejection of what she calls the “left-wing ideologies” she saw disrupt Nigeria.

Early Life, Education, and Career Beginnings

Born in London to Nigerian parents in 1980, Badenoch spent her early years between the UK and Nigeria, experiencing both worlds. When she was 16, she moved back to the UK with just £100 to her name, working various jobs—including at McDonald’s—to support herself. Despite her financial struggles, Badenoch pursued her education with determination, earning degrees in engineering from the University of Sussex and law from Birkbeck, University of London. She began her career as a software engineer before stepping into politics, an unusual path that provided her with a practical and hands-on approach to problem-solving.

Entry into Politics: The London Assembly and Parliament

Her political career started in the London Assembly, where she was appointed after a Conservative colleague left office. Later, she was elected as a Member of Parliament for Saffron Walden in 2017. Badenoch quickly became known for her outspoken views on topics such as critical race theory, immigration, and economic policy. A supporter of Brexit, she rose through the ranks, serving as a trade minister and eventually as Secretary of State for Business and Trade under Prime Ministers Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak. Throughout, Badenoch cultivated a reputation for challenging what she sees as “woke” culture and advocating for policies that emphasize personal responsibility and national pride.

The Path to Conservative Party Leadership

After a significant Conservative loss in the 2024 general election, Badenoch emerged as a leadership candidate. Winning against Robert Jenrick in the party election, she became the new Conservative Party leader. Her vision includes restoring traditional Conservative values, economic stability, and an emphasis on personal responsibility. Badenoch’s admiration for Margaret Thatcher shaped her leadership approach as she aims to rebuild the party’s appeal and unity.

Her leadership journey has not been without controversy. Her critics point to her conservative views on gender and her critiques of systemic racism discussions as divisive, but her supporters see her as a voice of reason and a representative of diversity within the party. Badenoch’s leadership could signal a shift toward a more traditional, socially conservative platform for the Conservative Party as they work to rebuild their support.

Kemi Badenoch’s story is a testament to perseverance and conviction, and her rise as a British-Nigerian leader adds a new layer to the multicultural fabric of the UK’s political landscape. As the new Conservative Party leader, she faces the challenge of uniting her party and appealing to a broader electorate to potentially lead the country in the future.

Nigerians are sharing mixed reactions following the election of British-Nigerian politician Kemi Badenoch as the new Conservative Party leader in the United Kingdom. Badenoch, who represents North West Essex as a Member of Parliament, defeated Robert Jenrick in the final voting round with 53,806 votes to Jenrick’s 41,388. Her victory marks a historic moment, as she becomes the first Black woman to lead a major UK political party.

While many Nigerians celebrated the 44-year-old’s achievement, some questioned the significance of her victory for the Black community and Nigerians abroad.

Celebrating her win, media entrepreneur Mo Abudu highlighted Badenoch’s success as proof of overcoming barriers and seizing one’s strengths. “Kemi’s journey reminds every woman and young girl that no dream is out of reach. Here’s to more stories of resilience, leadership, and making history,” Abudu said in an Instagram post.

Former presidential aide Reno Omokri also praised her election, calling it a historic achievement for Nigerians in the diaspora. “Mrs. Badenoch is the first person of African origin to hold this position, and her Nigerian roots make this a double celebration. This is the highest level a person of Nigerian heritage has reached in the Western hemisphere. I urge all Nigerians, at home and abroad, to support her,” he said.

Maxwell Adeyemi, a Nigerian living in Bradford, UK, echoed this call for unity and support for Badenoch.

Raised in Nigeria before moving back to the UK, Badenoch is the daughter of the late Mr. Femi Adegoke and Mrs. Feyi Adegoke. She recently drew criticism after describing Nigeria negatively in an election interview, saying, “This is my country… I don’t want it to become like the place I ran away from. I want it to get better and better, not just for me, but for the next generation.”

This is not the first time Badenoch has faced backlash for her comments about Nigeria. Previously, she told the BBC, “I grew up somewhere where the lights didn’t come on, where we frequently ran out of fuel despite being an oil-producing country.” In 2020, she sparked further debate by defending British colonialism during discussions on the UK’s response to the Black Lives Matter movement, stating, “The fact that colonialism happened does not mean that our modern history is tainted by it.”

Adeyemi, however, defended her stance, saying, “She only spoke the truth. Millions of lives, including those of people like Kemi Badenoch, have been affected by poor governance. She was fortunate to be born in the UK, but how many Nigerians have such opportunities? We shouldn’t blame her for speaking honestly.”