Nigeria is known for its vibrant entertainment industry, producing some of the world’s most popular musicians and actors. However, it may surprise you to learn that some of these celebrities have also made the leap into politics.
From music legends to Nollywood superstars, these individuals have shown that their talents extend far beyond the world of entertainment. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at five Nigerian entertainers who have transitioned into politics exploring their motivations, successes, and challenges.
Desmond Elliot: From Nollywood superstar to Lagos State House of Assembly
Desmond Elliot is a household name in the Nigerian entertainment industry. He began his career in Nollywood and quickly made a name for himself as one of the industry’s top actors. Despite his success in the entertainment world, Desmond Elliot had always had a keen interest in politics. In 2015, he decided to take the plunge and ran for a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Elliot’s decision to run for political office was not without its challenges. He received backlash from some members of the public who felt that he was not qualified for the position. However, Elliot was undeterred and campaigned aggressively, promising to use his position to make a positive impact on the lives of Lagosians.
He was elected to represent the Surulere Constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly. However, Elliot’s transition from the entertainment world to politics has not been without its challenges. He has been criticized for being absent from legislative sessions and for not delivering on some of his campaign promises. Despite these criticisms, Elliot remains committed to his constituents and to making a positive impact in Lagos.
Banky W: The music mogul who ran for House of Representatives
Banky W, whose real name is Olubankole Wellington, is one of Nigeria’s most successful musicians. He has won numerous awards for his music and has a massive following both in Nigeria and abroad. However, in 2018, Banky W decided to take a break from music and run for a seat in the House of Representatives.
Banky W’s decision to run for political office was motivated by his desire to make a positive impact in his community. He felt that he could use his platform as a musician to effect change and improve the lives of the people in his constituency.
During his campaign, Banky W focused on issues such as youth empowerment, education, and healthcare. He promised to use his position to push for policies that would benefit the people of his constituency and Nigeria as a whole.
Although Banky W did not win the election, even after trying again in 2023, his campaign was widely praised for its focus on issues and its innovative use of social media. Banky W remains committed to using his platform to effect change and has continued to be an advocate for youth empowerment and good governance.
Kate Henshaw: The actress who challenged for a seat in Cross River State House of Assembly
Kate Henshaw is one of Nigeria’s most beloved actresses. She has appeared in numerous Nollywood films and has won numerous awards for her acting. In 2015, Henshaw ran for a seat in the Cross River State House of Assembly.
Henshaw’s decision to run for political office was motivated by her desire to make a positive impact in her community. She felt that she could use her platform as an actress to effect change and improve the lives of the people in her constituency.
During her campaign, Henshaw promised to use her position to push for policies that would benefit the people of her constituency and Nigeria as a whole.
Although Henshaw did not win the election, she remains committed to using her platform to effect change and has continued to be an advocate for good governance and women’s empowerment.
Kanayo O. Kanayo: The veteran actor who contested for Anambra State House of Assembly
Nigerian entertainers who became politicians
Kanayo O. Kanayo is one of Nigeria’s most respected actors. He has appeared in numerous Nollywood films and has won numerous awards for his acting. In 2019, Kanayo O. Kanayo decided to take a break from acting to contest in the National Assembly elections to represent Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Mbaise Federal Constituency of Imo State.
Kanayo O. Kanayo’s decision to run for political office was motivated by his desire to make a positive impact in Imo State, however the veteran actor lost the election. Many people thought he was going to contest again in 2023, but he didn’t. He gave his reasons as thus: “I will not contest for any political office in 2023. This sacrifice is to enable me to work for a Nigerian President of Igbo extraction.”
Funke Akindele: The Nollywood actress contesting to be Lagos State Deputy Governor
Nigerian entertainers who became politicians
Funke Akindele is an actress with over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. She suspended her acting career to run as the gubernatorial candidate for the People’s Democratic Party; a path she announced via her Instagram page on July 13, 2022.
The former actress is running as the Deputy of Dr Abdul Azeez Olajide Adediran popularly called Jandor in the 2023 Lagos governorship elections.
The challenges of transitioning from entertainment to politics
Transitioning from the entertainment world to politics can be a challenging process. Celebrities who enter politics often face criticism from members of the public who feel that they are not qualified for the position.
Additionally, celebrities who enter politics often face challenges such as a lack of experience in governance, difficulty in balancing their entertainment careers with their political responsibilities, and the need to build relationships with other politicians and stakeholders.
The future of Nigerian entertainers in politics
The future of Nigerian entertainers in politics is bright. The entertainment industry in Nigeria continues to produce some of the world’s most talented musicians and actors, and many of these individuals are beginning to show an interest in politics.
As more and more entertainers enter politics, it is likely that we will see a shift in the way politics is done in Nigeria. These individuals bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to the table, and they have the potential to effect real change in their communities and in Nigeria as a whole.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Nigerian entertainers have shown that their talents extend far beyond the world of entertainment. As more and more Nigerian entertainers enter politics, it is likely that we will see a shift in the way politics is done in Nigeria. These individuals bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to the table, and they have the potential to effect real change in their communities and in Nigeria as a whole.
