Nigerian celebrities who have pursued careers in politics – 2022
Celebrities from Nigeria are leaving the entertainment industry to participate actively in the nation’s political process. Here are some Nigerian celebrities that have embraced or nurtured the political realm in Nigeria.
In order to fulfill the clamoring for youth participation in politics, certain Nigerian celebrities have taken up the leadership role in pioneering change and progress in the country.
It has been reported that these actors, entertainers, and musicians were not qualified in terms of expertise. Still, many people have praised their courage and daring in taking on the role of Nigeria’s leader.
Several Nigerian celebrities have offered to run in the coming 2023 elections, while others have already expressed their desire to run – newcomers have also expressed interest.
1. Desmond Elliott
Actor and director of Nollywood began his career in soap operas like “Everday People” and “Sinners.” He is an accomplished actor who has appeared in films such as “Men Who Cheat” and “Atlanta.” In 2009, he received three significant nominations for his co-produced and co-directed film “Reloaded.”
After dropping out of acting in 2014, Desmond Elliot pursued a new interest in politics. As a result of the Nigerian General Elections, the 48-year-old actor was elected on April 11, 2015, to the Lagos State House of Assembly, Surulere Constituency.
During the October END SARS rally, Desmond faced harsh criticism for endorsing Nigeria’sNigeria’s Anti-Social Media Bill. Although the Nollywood actor turned politician denied the allegation, there are allegations that he lied.
Nigerians have repeatedly accused Desmond Elliot of being insensitive and the source of Nigeria’sNigeria’s problems throughout his political career. In 2020, he apologized for comments about youth as “children.”
2. Wellington Bankole (Banky W)
Adesua Etomi’s husband, Olubankole Wellington, is a Nigerian actress, musician, and actor. On November 11, 2018, he entered politics as the candidate for the Eti-Osa constituency.
He has expressed interest in running for the House of Representatives under the Modern Democratic Party, founded in 2017, and ran a campaign to catapult Wizkid to fame. But unfortunately, he lost the February 23 election.
As a result, Banky W posted a video to his Instagram page on April 1, 2022, confirming his intention to run again. In addition, ahead of the 2023 elections, Banky W won the People’s Democratic Party’s Eti-Osa federal constituency primary.
3. Funke Akindele
The Nigerian actress Funke Akindele is best known for her role in the comedy-drama Jemifa.
With over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry, the actress, director, and producer has also quit her job to run as the People’s Democratic Party’s governor candidate.
She is Dr. Abdul Azeez Olajide Adediran’s deputy in the 2023 Lagos governorship elections. Nollywood actress-turned-political contender confirmed the news on Twitter.
4. Dikeh, Tonto
A divisive celebrity in Nigeria, Tonto Dikeh, is also running for a political seat in 2023. Tonto Dikeh is the running mate of Mr. Tonte Ibraye in the upcoming governorship election in Rivers State.
Due to Tonto’s divisive image on the internet, the announcement generated conflicting comments. As a result, Ibraye and Dikeh will face off against Siminialayi Fubara and Tonye Cole, respectively, who are running under the APC and PDP.
Tonto Dikeh and Tonte Ibraye are candidates for the African Democratic Congress.
5. Yul Edochie
Yul Edochie, the son of acclaimed actor Pete Edochie, expressed interest in running for office in Anambra State after the ‘Not Too Young To Run’ Bill passed earlier this year.
He received only 145 votes under the Democratic People’s Congress banner during the 2017 Anambra governorship elections.
His interest in running for president was expressed in 2018, but he later dropped out.
He became Willy Obiano’s Senior Special Assistant for Creative and Entertainment Media in Anambra State.
During his birthday celebration on January 7, 2021, Yul Edochie announced he would run for president again. His father, Pete Edochie, sponsored him.
His intention to run for president was reaffirmed on May 1, 2022. The actor’s reputation, however, was doubted after he announced his son’s birth to his second wife, Judy Austin. His statement irritated his first wife, May Edochie, who pronounced God’s wrath on Yul and his mistress.
Because of his contentious declaration and extramarital affairs, fans and netizens have urged Yul to quit his political ambitions.
