Nigerians are gearing up for the 2023 general elections scheduled for February 2023.
Still, not only the citizens and political parties but known celebrities in entertainment are throwing their hats in the race, and we are doing a roll call as we get more names in.
Between the enthusiastic young people mobilizing others and the first time, we have also seen the shift notable in the entertainment space as many celebrities are now delving into politics, and some have become candidates in leading political parties.
At the same time, for most, this is their first attempt; others are going in for the second and third time.
- Tonto Dikeh’s emergence as the running mate of the Rivers State gubernatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress(ADC), Tonte Ibraye, might very well go down as one of the biggest surprises of the year. But, while some Nigerians are yet to come to terms with the development, she appears poised to erase certain misconceptions while ensuring she and her principal, Mr Ibraye, emerge victorious come 2023. In an interview with Channels TV’s Seun Okinbaloye, the actress-turned-politician spoke about her political ambition and manifesto. Among other things, the mother-of-one acknowledged that while she might be termed controversial, Nigerians will see a different side to her in the months leading to the elections. She said: “I’m a woman of controversy, yes. But that doesn’t mean I’m not loyal to what I believe in. I believe in good governance and opportunities for the youth women, including them in government decision-making. “I’m ready for criticism. I have failed in my life, and I do not deny that, and everybody has seen that. But am I going to fail with leadership? ”But have I ever failed in leadership or motherhood? No.
- Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, has been named the Peoples Democratic Party deputy governorship candidate of Lagos State. The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Olajide Adediran, has announced popular actress Funke Akindele as his running mate for the 2023 general elections. Adediran, fondly called Jandor, unveiled the Lagos-born actress on Tuesday as the duo staged a rally alongside supporters across the streets in the Ikorodu area of the state. Jandor, who also announced the choice of Akindele as the PDP deputy governorship candidate in a series of tweets, urged the residents of Lagos to work with them.
- Banky W – Actor and singer, Bankole Wellington, popularly known as Banky W won the PDP primary ticket for the Eti-Osa constituency in the Federal House of Representatives ahead of the 2023 general election. It was a double win for the singer as he was earlier declared the winner in the first primary election but the result slip showed his challenger, Sam Aiboni, as the winner. Following the controversy, another primary was conducted after two weeks and Banky W won again, polling 24 votes out of 29 votes cast by the delegates.
- Desmond Elliot – Actor Desmond Elliot, who is currently representing Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, won the All Progressives Congress ticket for a third term. In the primary held in May 202, Elliot polled 30 votes as the sole contestant for the ticket. Elliot contested and won the Surulere Constituency 1 seat at the general election on April 11, 2015. His nomination by APC for a second term came unopposed as well as the third.
