EKO HOT BLOG takes you through on a number of Nigerian celebrities who took a break from the entertainment industry in exchange for the spotlight in the political scene but ended up in tears in the aftermath.
Nigeria has seen many celebrities from the entertainment industry enter into politics, with varying degrees of success. While some have won elections, others have not been as fortunate. Here are five Nigerian celebrities who have lost in their bid for public office.
Banky W: The Nigerian singer and actor ran for the House of Representatives seat in the Eti-Osa Constituency in Lagos State in 2019 under the platform of the Modern Democratic Party (MDP). Despite being a strong contender, he lost the election to the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Musiliu Obanikoro. In 2023, he ran again for the same position but lost to Thadeus Attah of the Labour Party.
Funke Akindele: The popular actress, also known as Jenifa, ran for the seat of Deputy Governor of Lagos State under the umbrella of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). However, she was unsuccessful in her bid to represent the state and lost to the incumbent governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Olumide Oworu: This year, the Nigerian actor best known for his role in the television series ‘The Johnsons,’ contested for a seat in the House of Representatives to represent the Surulere I constituency in Lagos State under the platform of the Labour Party (LP). However, he was unsuccessful in his bid to secure the seat, losing to the incumbent, Desmond Elliott of the APC, another celebrity.
9ice: In 2015, the singer and songwriter contested for a seat in the House of Representatives to represent the Ogbomosho North/South/Oriire Federal Constituency in Oyo State. Unfortunately, he lost to a formidable opponent, Prince Akeem Oyewumi, son of the Soun of Ogbomoso, of the All Progressives Congress party, in the Oyo State primary.
Kate Henshaw: In 2014, Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw lost her ticket to represent the Calabar South Federal Constituency under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the party primary held in the state. Despite her loss, she graciously accepted the result, acknowledging that it was free and fair, while congratulating the winner.
These celebrities may have lost their bid for public office, but their efforts show that they are willing to make a difference in their communities and in the country at large. Their foray into politics may have been unsuccessful, but it has opened up new opportunities for them to contribute to society in other ways.
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