10 Nigerian Celebrities Who Have Ventured Into Politics

10 NIGERIAN CELEBRITIES WHO HAVE VENTURED INTO POLITICS

The idea of venturing into politics by famous entertainers round the world cannot be overlooked. There is no exception with these growing trends amongst Nigerian celebrities who have also seen the need to involve themselves in the process of becoming policy makers.

So here are 10 entertainers who have either run for offices or have been appointed into one.

1. Desmond Elliot 

In 2014, Nollywood star and film director Desmond Elliot ventured into politics and joined the APC. The following year, he ran for a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly. Desmond Elliot shocked everyone by winning. Months later, he was sworn into office as a member representing Surulere 01 Constituency.

2. Ini Edo

In February 2016, superstar actress Ini Edo, 33, was appointed Special Adviser on Tourism to the Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel. Speaking about her appointment, she said: “To be called to serve is an honour. I give God all the glory. I am grateful to my state, my Governor, every one of you with your constant prayers and support… God bless you.”

4.  Olubankole Wellington (Banky W)

On November 11, 2018, Banky W declared his intention to run for the Lagos’ Eti-Osa Federal Constituency seat in Nigeria’s House of Representatives, representing Modern Democratic Party (MDP), formed in 2017. On February 23, 2019, Bankole Wellington lost the Eti-Osa Federal Constituency elections to Babajide Obanikoro of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

3. Alexander Abolore Adegbola Akande (9ice)

9ice contested for a House of Representatives seat in Oyo State in 2015, but lost at the primaries. The musician still landed a political appointment under the former Ajimobi led administration as the Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth matters.

5. Bob-Manuel Obidimma Udokwu

Bob-Manuel Udokwu is a veteran Nollywood actor who contested the position of House of Assembly for the Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra state in 2015 which he eventually lost to an incumbent Tony Muonagor a.k.a. Tony One-Week, who is also an entertainer. However, Bob Manuel was appointed into the cabinet of Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano, as the Senior Special Assistant on Movie/Entertainment.

6. Richard Mofe Damijo

Veteran Nollywood actor, RMD, was Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State from 2009 till 2015.

7. Mercy Johnson Okojie

On March 15, 2017, Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson-Okojie was appointed Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello on Entertainment, Arts and Culture.

9. Kate Henshaw

Veteran actress Kate Henshaw also ran for office which she lost at the PDP primaries in Cross River State. In December 2015. However, she was made Special Adviser, Liaison, Lagos to Cross River State.

8. Femi Adebayo Salami

In February 2016, popular Yoruba actor Femi Adebayo was made the Special Adviser to the Governor of Kwara State, Abdulfatah Ahmed on Arts, Culture and Tourism.

10. Anayo Modestus Onyekwere (Kanayo O. Kanayo)

The veteran actor KOK, in 2018, declared his intention at the ward level to contest for the Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Mbaise Federal Constituency, Imo state, seat in the House of Representatives. Somehow, he did not make it under the platform of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA.

The actor has defected to the Peoples Democratic Party,PDP.