Showbiz to politics: Nigerian stars who have gunned for elective offices

The political season is upon us once again as the 2023 general elections approach gradually. Like any other Nigerians who have the right to vote and be voted for, some entertainers have thrown their hats into the ring and announced their ambitions to contest for elective political offices. In view of this, Daily Trust highlights some Nigerian stars who have gunned for elective offices.

Banky W

Ace Banky W singer, Olubankole Wellington, on Friday once again announced that he was throwing his hat into the ring as he has declared his intention to run for the House of Representatives, this time, under the ‘umbrella’ of the Peoples Democratic Party. He aims to represent Eti-Osa Federal Constituency 2023.

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This is the second time the entertainer turned politician is contesting for an elective post. On November 11, 2018, the 41-year-old declared his intention to run for the Lagos Eti-Osa Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives, on the platform of the Modern Democratic Party, which was formed in 2017. However, on February 23, 2019, he lost the election to Babajide Obanikoro of the All Progressive Congress.

J. Martins

Hip-life singer, J. Martins, like his counterpart in the Nigerian music industry, Banky W, has also announced his interest to run for the Federal House Of Representative Arochukwu/Ohafia Constituency Abia State in 2023. This is the first time the Oyoyo singer would signify interest in the Nigerian political scene.

Although the singer has not announced the political platform he hopes to join to actualise his dream, J. Martins via his verified social media account urged the people of Abia state to join him in this struggle for a better representation.

Desmond Elliot

Popular thespian and filmmaker, Desmond Elliot declared his intentions in September 2014 to run for Lagos State House of Assembly under the All Progressives Congress. He contested and won the Surulere Constituency in the 11 April 2015 Nigerian General Elections. Fast forward to the upcoming 2023 election, the movie star has once again signified interest to run for the same elective post.

Kenny Saint Best

In 2014, sonorous gospel singer, Kenny Saint Best, also joined her colleagues as she ventured into politics. Her aim was to become a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Sadly for the veteran singer, she lost the All Progressives Congress primary election for the Ikeja constituency of the state to Mr Folajimi Mohammed, son of the then National Publicity Secretary of APC,
Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

Kate Henshaw

Born on July 19, 1971, Kate Henshaw also tested the waters on July 19, 2014, when she officially unveiled her campaign website as she was aspiring to represent the Calabar Municipal/Odukpani Federal constituency under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Eventually, Kate Henshaw lost the primary election to Rt. Hon Essien Ayi but was appointed as Special Adviser Liaison Lagos by the Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade in December 2015

9ice

The name Alexander Abolore Adegbola Akande may not ring a bell but once 9ice is mentioned to any music enthusiast, the evergreen song ‘Gongo Aso’ comes to mind. The singer is also one Nigerian entertainer that threw his hat into the ring, unfortunately, his political career did not go far.

In August 2014, the singer officially made public his intent to contest the House of Representatives seat for Ogbomosho North/South/Orire Federal Constituency of Oyo State in the February general election of 2015.

But he lost his bid to represent his people at the House of Representatives to Prince Akeem Oyewunmi at the All Progressive Congress primaries.

Julius Agwu

Also, in August 2014, posters of the Choba born thespian, Julius Agwu, went viral on the Nigerian internet space as he declared his desire to run for the governorship post in Rivers State.

In his campaign poster, the funnyman went with the slogan” Our moment of Change! Julius Agwu for Governor”. However, the humour merchant never unveiled the political party he hoped to use to achieve his ambition.

Months later, the comedian made a u-turn and withdrew from the governorship race. Citing reasons for his withdrawal, in a statement issued by his manager, Sunday Uwem, Agwu stepped down after a meeting with his kinsmen from Ikwere.