Some Nigerian celebrities vied for positions in the just-concluded general elections. While some of them succeeded in their bid to hold political offices and serve the people, some of them failed in their pursuit of political seats.
Banky W
Nigerian singer, songwriter, producer, actor, and entrepreneur Bankole Wellington, popularly known as Banky W, contested for the Eti-Osa Federal Constituency in the National Assembly election on February 25, 2023. He lost the position to the Labour Party’s Thaddeus Attah. Many have attributed Banky’s loss to the fact that he ran under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which failed woefully in Lagos State.
ALSO READ: VIDEO: BANKY W BREAKS SILENCE AS HE EXPRESSES HEARTBREAK FOR LOSING 2023 ELECTION
Funke Akindele
Nigerian actor and filmmaker Funke Akindele is another celebrity that vied for a position under the platform of the PDP and failed in Lagos State. Akindele was the running mate of Lagos State’s PDP gubernatorial candidate Abdul-Azeez Adediran (aka Jandor).
The “Jenifa’’ actor and her party came third in the polls. Incumbent governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was reelected for a second term in an election that was marred by violence, rigging, and several forms of electoral malpractice.
Reacting to her defeat, Funke Akindele said:
“It has been an amazing and insightful experience on my journey to the ballot, and I must say, it was an absolute learning curve for me. A lot of things have been learned and unlearned. I sincerely do not regret taking this huge step of running for office.’’
Continuing, she thanked the people of Lagos State:
“Thank you once again Lagos, for showing your daughter support. As I consider my next moves in life, I will continue prioritizing the good of the people and the integrity of my position as an advocate for the people. Eko oni baje!”
Olumide Oworu
Nigerian actor Olumide Oworu posed a great threat to another actor, Desmond Elliott, during the campaigns for the Surulere constituency 1 seat in the Lagos State Assembly. However, legal cases within the Labour Party meant that Oworu didn’t end up as the party’s candidate on Election Day as Desmond Elliott of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) returned to office.