Some Nigerian celebrities decided to take the bull by the horn and contest for political offices in the 2023 general elections. The clamour for change in a country that has been under bad leadership for decades saw some celebrities decide to influence change by contesting for political seats.
Some of these celebrities succeeded in their pursuit of public office.
Desmond Elliott
Legendary Nigerian actor Desmond Elliott has been in office as Representative of Surulere Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly for eight years and was reelected for a third term despite stiff opposition from fellow actor Olumide Oworu of the Labour Party.
The thespian got a total of 17,877 votes to beat the candidate of the Labour Party, Bode Adetayo, who emerged second with a total of 7,822 votes. Oworu could not vie for the seat due to legal cases within the Labour Party.
Reacting to his win, Elliott thanked the people and hailed the efforts of the opposition.
He said:
“Thank you Surulere, I commend the worthy effort given by other candidates in other parties: Hon Thompson (PDP) Mr Olumide Oworu (LP) Mr Bode Adetayo (LP).”
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Prince Okojie
Prince Okojie, who is notable for being the husband of legendary Nollywood actor Mercy Johnson, contested under the platform of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) for the Esan North East/South East Federal Constituency in Edo State and emerged the winner. The businessman and politician earned a total of 21,764 votes to beat off competition from the candidates of the Labour Party (11,528) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with 10,071 votes.
Ned Nwoko
Chinedu Nwoko, who is popularly known as Ned Nwoko, became a popular figure in Nigeria after his marriage to high-profile actor Regina Daniels. The businessman vied for the senatorial seat of Delta North District, Delta State, and won in the National Assembly elections held on February 25, 2023. Ned Nwoko, who ran under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, got a total of 92,514 votes to beat off stiff opposition from the Labour Party’s Kennedy Kanma (86,121) and the Peoples Democratic Party’s Peter Nwaoboshi, with 36,816 votes.