Nigeria, known for its vibrant entertainment industry, has witnessed a fascinating crossover between fame and politics. Several Nigerian celebrities have ventured into the realm of governance, using their influence and platforms to engage with societal issues and drive change. This article by Naijassador explores ten notable Nigerian celebrities who have made significant strides in the political landscape, showcasing their diverse contributions and impact.
Banky W
Banky W, known as Olubankole Wellington is a Nigerian artist who became one of the most popular figures due to his amazing vocals and stage charisma. Recently, this artist has decided to conquer the political world. Banky W, a singer, songwriter, and actor, used his recognition to obtain a place in Nigeria’s House of Representatives representing PDP.
His campaign was not successful, but his strive for youth development, education, and infrastructure flourishing still is unbroken. He wants to use his influence to change society in every possible way, and Nigeria’s political arena will become his new source of strength. Banky W is not the exception to the rule because more and more Nigerian celebrities have begun promoting public awareness behind their entertainment commitments.
Desmond Elliot
The personality of Desmond Elliot, which is far from being the last in Nollywood, has become an adopted child in this creative industry. The career of an actor and politician boasts more than two hundred films. However, Elliot decided to change the direction of his career and in 2015 was elected a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly as a representative of the Surulere Outsourcing Territory. However, the actor’s political path also attracted scandals; in 2020 he was criticized for comments on the behaviour of Nigerian youth. Nevertheless, Desmond Elliot ranks among the popular figures of Nigeria’s show business and politics.
Kate Henshaw
Kate Henshaw From the beauty of Nollywood, Kate Henshaw is no ordinary Nigerian actress; she is an iconic figure in the film industry. But with time, she might become a very powerful figure not only on screen but in real life. She starred in such films as Stronger Than Pain and won the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards at some point. Kate is a strong advocate of social good, she is particularly active in politics, and this is one of the reasons she is so respected in West Africa. Kate has her line of causes she defends and inspires.
Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD)
Richard Mofe-Damijo, or RMD, is an entertainment powerhouse in Nigerian politics, acting, and law. RMD is an award-winning actor who has won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor. He has always seemed larger than life, with an air of charisma that is difficult to describe. However, his power is not just in his acting; RMD played the role of Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State, and his leadership ability is self-evident. To this day, RMD is a revered figure in Nigerian entertainment and culture.
Funke Akindele
Nigeria’s “Jenifa,” Funke Akindele, is a multi-talented powerhouse. Known for her acting and writing, Akindele is also a producer and a successful politician. Akindele became famous for her comedic portrayal of Jenifa, but her impact is greater than simply a hermeneutical one. She has more than 15 million followers on Instagram and regularly interacts with her fans, uses the platform for good, and, as recently evident, even for politics. In 2023, actress Funke Akindele ran for Deputy Governor of Lagos state. Unfortunately, she did not win. However, her campaign demonstrates how the increasing political influence of celebrities is beginning to shape Nigerian politics.
Tonto Dikeh
Undoubtedly, Tonto Dikeh is a force. She is a talented multi-dimensional Nigerian woman who has conquered not only the acting genre but also singing and songwriting. Furthermore, as a woman who cannot keep silent about things that matter to her, she has also entered the political sector. Interestingly, she decided to make a statement by running for the position of deputy governor in Akwa Ibom State, challenging the current situation. Although Dikeh did not make it to the desired position, she remains a strong representative who never stops using her social media platform to advocate for what she stands for.
Ini Edo
Ini Edo, another distinctive star in the world of Nollywood, entered politics and was appointed by the Akwa Ibom State government as their Special Adviser on Tourism. Her dedication to the exposure of the Akwa Ibom State tourist attraction and cultural heritage was remarkable, as opposed to the screen; she enjoys leaving an impression either through her position or red art yet, as her Instagram account displays, she is a fashion goddess off the screen. Apart from her appearances on the red carpet, she is a generous lover and a godsend to young actors in the film sector, viewed by many Nigerian young aspiring actors as a role model.
Nkiru Sylvanus
While Nkiru Sylvanus is a Nollywood actress and she has also ventured into politics. Personally appointed by Rochas Okorocha, the ex-Governor of Imo State, she became the Special Assistant on Lagos State Affairs helping with the interaction and affairs between the state and the Lagos state. Then, she was made the Special Assistant on Public Affairs, supporting the Governor’s image through reports and other written materials. Granted, this political life did not last long; Sylvanus displayed her ambitions not to limit her activities only to entertainment.
Yul Edochie
Yul Edochie’s political career began in 2017 when the son of the Nollywood legend Pete Edochie first threw his hat in the political arena. He opened big by vying for the Nigerian presidency in 2019 to no avail. The same year, however, he contested the Anambra State governorship position on the platform of the Democratic Peoples Congress. His quest for office has failed and he still keeps people speculating about his future.
Kenneth Okonkwo
Kenneth Okonkwo is not only an acting icon from “Living in Bondage.” In 2014, he joined the All Progressives Congress and ran as Enugu State Governor. Okonkwo, however, infamously joined the People’s Democratic Party before the 2015 election process due to the candidate chosen by the APC: a Muslim-Muslim ticket. He later justified this by using his exposure to ideal a “new Nigeria. He moved to the Labour party in the last elections. This nutshell case illustrates how Nigerian politics is a continuously changing country, with celebrities pushing for their preferred changes in the nation.
Conclusion
The intertwining of stardom and politics in Nigeria has showcased the diverse talents and interests of celebrities who are actively engaged in shaping societal narratives and driving positive change. These ten Nigerian celebrities, among others, serve as inspiring examples of individuals using their platforms for advocacy, empowerment, and governance, highlighting the potential for synergy between the entertainment industry and political spheres in Nigeria’s dynamic landscape.
Written by: Sarah Aboje
