Politics is a game of numbers, so popularity can always be counted as an advantage. And attaining a celebrity status, whether as a movie star, a musician, or even a businessman, is one sure way of gaining popularity – or fame, if you like.
Examples abound across the world of celebrities who ventured into politics riding on the wings of their fame. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a Hollywood actor and star of action movies like “The Terminator”, “Judgment Day”, “Commando”, “The Running Man”, “Predator”, etc, turned to politics and served as the 38th governor of California, USA (2003-2011). Former US President Donald Trump rode on his success on the reality show “The Apprentice” to secure political credibility and attention. Italy’s longest-serving Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, who died earlier in June 2023, ventured into politics after he gained so much fame and fortune from his business dealings, including in media, real estate and football.
In Nigeria, we have seen celebrities play more pronounced and active roles in politics in recent times. Celebrities are increasingly using their platforms to express their political opinions or to campaign for political parties or political figures of their choice during elections. Some others have taken it a notch higher by seeking political offices. While some have been successful at it, others have not been. We bring you five Nigerian celebrities who ventured into politics, whether they succeeded or not.
1. Desmond Elliot
Desmond Oluwashola Elliot, popularly known as Desmond Elliot, is a Nigerian film director, actor and politician. He is renowned for his roles in the movies like “Men Who Cheat”, “Yahoo Millionaire”, “Behind Closed Doors”, “Finding Mercy”, “Atlanta”, and so on. He won Best Supporting Actor in a Drama at the 2nd Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) and was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the 10th Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMA).
Desmond Elliot went into politics in 2015 under the auspices of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and is currently a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Surulere Constituency, a position he has occupied since 2015.
2. Funke Akindele
Olufunke Ayotunde Akindele-Bello, professionally known as Funke Akindele or Jenifa, is a Nigerian award-winning filmmaker, director, actress and producer. Many know her for her role in “Jenifa’s Diary”, a series that she produced. She starred in “Your Excellency”, “Omo Ghetto”, “Chief Daddy”, “Dwindle”, “Isoken”, among others.
She won the Best Actress of the Year at the 2016 Africa Entertainment Legend Awards, Best Actress in a Comedy at the 2022 AMVCA, etc.
Funke Akindele joined politics under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and in 2022, she was nominated as a running mate of the PDP governorship candidate in Lagos State, Abdul-Azeez Olajude Adediran. They both ran for the 2023 Lagos State governorship election but lost to the incumbent, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the APC.
3. Tony One Week
Tony Muanagor, popularly known by his stage name Tony One Week, is one name that cannot easily be forgotten in the Nigerian entertainment industry, having contributed immensely in Nollywood and the music sphere. He is a musician, actor, and a politician.
Tony One Week broke into limelight in 1996 after the release of his hit song “Gyrate”, which was like Nigeria’s second national anthem and theme song for the Super Eagles.
He joined politics under the aegis of the PDP and contested to represent his constituency at the Anambra State House of Assembly in the 2011 elections. He won the election and later became a Minority Leader in the House of Assembly.
4. Adviser Nowamagbe
Sheddrach Nowamagbe, popularly known as Adviser Nowamagbe, is a musician from Edo state. He is known for his radical style of music, criticism of the government and the wrongdoings in the society. His songs include “Ozuo”, “Emwen”, “Eghosa”, and “Oghodua”.
Nowamagbe went into politics and contested the Edo State governorship seat on the platform of United Progressive Party (UPP) in the September 10, 2016 governorship election in the state. He, however, lost to Governor Godwin Obaseki, who was then a member of the APC.
5. Banky W
Olubankole Wellington, popularly known by his stage name Banky W and credited in film as Banky Wellington, is a Nigerian singer, rapper, actor, entrepreneur and politician. He is renowned for songs like “Lowkey”, “Yes/No”, “Jasi”, “Jaiye Orimi” and “Lagos Party”. He has appeared in movies like “The Wedding Party”, “Sugar Rush”, “Up North”, etc.
Banky won the Best Male Vocal Performance, Hip Hop World Awards 2009 for “Don’t Break My Heart”, Best R&B Singer (Male) and Best Music Video 2010 at the City People Entertainment Awards and Best International Album, Nigerian Entertainment Awards 2007 for “Mr Capable”.
Wellington joined politics in 2018 when he announced his intent to run for the Lagos’ Eti-Osa Federal Constituency seat in Nigeria’s House of Representatives on the platform of Modern Democratic Party, formed in 2017, but he lost to Babijide Obanikoro of the APC.
Following his loss, he decamped to the People’s Democratic Party ahead of the 2023 general elections and contested for the same position again. Again, he lost to Attah Thaddeus of the Labour Party (LP).
