Funke Akindele, 5 Other Nigerian Celebrities Contesting Elections in 2023

 

 

Nigerian celebrities are a bold step to contest for public offices, and the list is getting longer by the day.

There is no doubt that the election and appointment of Nollywood stars like Desmond Elliot, Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), Mercy Johnson, and Kate Henshaw into political offices have served as motivation for others.

Another reason behind the rise of Nigerian celebrities in political offices can be attributed to the rise of social media, which has proven how popular and influential Nigerian celebrities really are. Their social media numbers have given many celebrities the boldness to contest for public office.

As the 2023 elections take center stage in the country, many Nigerian celebrities have taken the initiative to test their popularity and public confidence at the pools. One celebrity of note is Funke Akindele, who accepted the mantle to contest as the running mate to the Governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State.

Below, we have highlighted a list of some Nigerian celebrities, like Funke Akindele, who will be participating in active politics in 2023. Check them out!

 

Funke Akindele

The 44-year-old Nollywood comic actress, popularly known for her character “Jenifa” in her self-directed movie Jenifa’s Diary, has taken a bold step worthy of commendation. She is contesting as Deputy-Governor to contest against the sitting governor of the State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, of the popular All Progressive Congress (APC).

She also hinted at leaving the movie industry to face politics full-time. Speaking at the premiere of her latest movie titled “Battle of Buka Streets,” the celebrity said she believes the film would be her last work on set as she was bracing to become the new Deputy Governor of Lagos State.

“This is the reason I sponsored and championed this project “Battle on Buka Street.” It would be my parting gift to my fans and the movie industry in general. I’m taking to politics full time as I strongly believe I’m the incoming Deputy governor of Lagos State,” she said.

 

Tonto Dikeh

Like Funke Akindele, Tonto Dikeh would be running for the position of Deputy Governor in her native Rivers State. She would be flying the flag of the African Democratic Party (ADP) with the governorship candidate of the party, Tonte Ibraye.

In her words during her unveiling as the party’s deputy governorship candidate, an elated Tonto Dikeh said the party would invest “massively in social protection” in the State if elected.

 

Banky W

Mr. Olubankole Wellington, popularly known as Banky W, had a twist of fate after changing political parties in 2022 to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) just before the primary elections in 2022. He won the ticket to represent the Eti-Osa Federal Constituency under the umbrella of the party in the House of Representatives.

In 2019, he contested for the same position under the Modern Democratic Party (MDP) and lost to the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate. The Nigerian musician has said that his reason for ditching entertainment for politics is down to his desire for good governance in Nigeria.

“As long as I have been relevant in the art world, music, film and as a small entrepreneur, I have always been very vocal about the need for good governance and the need for young people to participate in politics,” he said during a recent interview.

 

Desmond Elliott

One Nigerian celebrity that is used to the corridors of politics is Nollywood actor Desmond Elliot. He has been the member representing Surulere Constituency 1 in the House of Representatives since 2015 and was re-elected in 2019. 

He would be contesting for a third term in 2023 under the umbrella of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

 

Ned Nwoko

The famous businessman and politician is the husband of Nollywood sweetheart Regina Daniels. He will be contesting in the 2023 general elections under the umbrella of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

He is the Senatorial candidate representing Delta North district and hopes to represent the district at the Upper Chambers later in the year.

 

Odi Okojie

Odi Okoli is a Real Estate entrepreneur and politician. He attained celebrity status when he got married to popular Nigerian Actress Mercy Johnson.

He recently won the primaries to represent the people of Esan North East/South East federal constituency in Edo State at the House of Representatives. He will be hoping to win the general elections in 2023.