The results of Student Vote Alberta 2023 included a surprise win in the northern part of the province. 

The students of Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo elected independent candidate Funky Banjoko with 574 votes or 44% across 12 elementary and high schools. 

Soon after the results were made available online, messages began flooding in from people wanting to know more about the unlikely victory of an independent candidate.

In the provincial high school Student Vote, NDP won a majority but the fun surprise is in Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo, where an independent candidate named Funky Banjoko rocked the classroom vote.

— Jason Markusoff (@markusoff) May 30, 2023

Banjoko is the only candidate outside of the Alberta NDP or UCP to win a seat in Student Vote Alberta 2023. 

In fact, Banjoko is the only independent candidate elected by Alberta students since the province’s first Student Vote was held in 2012.

Who is Funky Banjoko?

As a local councillor Funky Banjoko is well-known to the people of Wood Buffalo. 

In 2021, she was the first black woman elected to that post, a decade after immigrating from Nigeria with her family. Banjoko has a 30 year career in supply chain management and is a frequent volunteer on local committees. 

In an interview with CIVIX, Banjoko explained that she chose to pursue provincial politics to better address local issues including healthcare, transportation, jobs and indigenous relations.

“A lot of people believe we need strong representation at the provincial level,” she says. “As a councillor, I can see there’s a clear gap because no matter what we do at the municipality level, there are major things that only can be fixed at the provincial level.”

She is also on the record saying she entered the race because of the divisive politics in Alberta and desire to help residents without relying on ideology. 

How Banjoko won Student Vote

After learning about government and democracy, researching the parties and platforms, and debating the future of the province, students cast their ballots for the official candidates running in their school’s electoral division as a part of the Student Vote program.

 

Funky believes that her genuine love for the community and relatable demeanour won the votes of students.

“For me, it demonstrates that the younger generation wants change,” says Banjoko “They are inclusive in their thoughts. It’s so encouraging to see that they look beyond the limitations or barriers and they have a clear mind of their own.”

A message for students 

“Look at me and take me as a message. I came here with two suitcases and my children to make something for myself,” Banjoko says. “We’ve done well in this country. It hasn’t come without challenges. But I want youth to know that their opportunities are limitless.”

Visit the Student Vote Alberta 2023 results page for more information on how students of the province voted.