Slowly but surely, more showbiz personalities in Nigeria keep joining the world of politics. In the past, we’ve seen the likes of Nollywood stars like Desmond Elliot, Kate Henshaw, Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) and Mercy Johnson get into government office.
Now, The Electoral Act of 2022 has set the stage for free, fair, and democratic elections in Nigeria in 2023, and it appears more Nollywood stars are set to run for the elections.
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Below is a list of some celebrities who have taken up the challenge to be in active politics Africa’s most populous nation prepares to hold its seventh consecutive general election since the country returned to democracy in 1999.
Funke Akindele
The 44-year-old actress, popularly known as “Jenifa” for her performance in Jenifa’s Diary, could be hanging up her acting boots.
The actor and producer was recently unveiled as the PDP Deputy-Governor candidate in Lagos State.
Tonto Dikeh
She was recently unveiled as the running mate of Rivers State Governorship Candidate, Tonte Ibraye under the umbrella of the African Democratic Party (ADP).
The actress said the ADC would invest “massively in social protection” in Rivers State if they are elected.
Banky W
Mr Wellington who is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives candidate for Eti-Osa Federal Constituency, joined the PDP in April 2022.
This was after losing to APC in the 2019 House of Representative elections for the Eti-Osa constituency.
He won the PDP primary ticket for the same constituency in the Federal House of Representatives ahead of the 2023 general election.
Desmond Elliott
Nollywood actor, Desmond Elliot won the Surulere Constituency 1 seat in April 2015 and was nominated for the second term. He won the ticket for a third term in 2023 unopposed on the ticket of the All Progressive Congress (APC) political party.
