The last elections in the country saw a large participation of entertainers in the political space. Most of those who ventured into politics happened to be actors, perhaps leveraging on their on-screen popularity. Below is a list of the top 5 actors who are in politics or have contended for a political office.
DESMOND ELIOT
The actor/director is currently an “Honourable” member of the Lagos state house of assembly representing Surulere, having contested in the 2015 elections and emerged successful under the APC. He still combines his new job as a politician alongside acting and directing.
KATE HENSHAW
The award-winning actor ran for the Federal house of representative seat in Cross River state in 2015 and picked up her native name “Offiong” for the campaign, perhaps to endear her to her constituents. She, however, lost the election but was appointed Special Adviser, Liaison, Lagos by Governor Benedict Ayade.
She is also a fitness enthusiast, the face of ‘Onga’, and a Nigeria’s Got Talent judge.
BOB MANUEL ODOKWU
The 3-time host of Gulder Ultimate Search was appointed Senior Special Adviser on creative media to Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State in 2013, and later in 2014, he was appointed Senior Special Assistant on Movie/Entertainment industry under Governor Willie Obiano. He contested in 2015 for a seat in the Anambra State House of Assembly but things failed to go in his favour.
KENNETH OKONKWO
The “Living in Bondage” actor turned lawyer pulled out of the 2015 race for the Enugu state house of assembly in the primaries after the zoning decision was upturned.
TONY “ONE WEEK” MUONAGOR
The actor/musician popularly known for his “Everybody Gyrate” song contested and won the 2011 state house of assembly elections he released a video for his “Ife Di Mma” song featuring Tuface in 2013. He, however, lost his re-election bid in 2015.
2019 is another election year and it will be interesting to see how many more big players from the entertainment industry that will jump in.
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This article was first published on 2nd March 2018
akwaowowillie
Akwaowo Willie is a social media consultant for several businesses including SMEs and Startups. He is also an entrepreneur and writer with interests in entertainment, media, fashion, among others. He is married, with 2 adorable children.
Comments (3)
I like the fact that it will no longer be business as usual in our political terrain in Nigeria. let the old men go and sit down and allow fresh blood lead us biko. Enough is enough. I will encourage professionals from every field to join in this race.