There has been no shortage of Nigerian celebrities campaigning for political appointments.
Here are 20 Nigerian celebrities who became politicians.
1. Desmond Elliot
Famous For: Desmond Elliot is a popular Nollywood actor, known for starring in hit TV series like Super Story, and movies like Reloaded and The Wedding Party.
Political Career: Elected as a Member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Surulere Constituency in 2015, and re-elected in 2019.
2. Banky W (Olubankole Wellington)
Famous For: Banky W is a singer and actor, best known for his hit songs like “Ebute Metta,” “Yes/No,” and his acting in The Wedding Party franchise.
Political Career: Banky W contested for a seat in the House of Representatives (Eti-Osa Federal Constituency) in 2019 under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Despite not winning, he brought attention to the importance of youth participation in politics.
3. 9ice (Abolore Akande)
Famous For: 9ice is a popular musician known for tracks like “Street Credibility” and “Gongo Aso.”
Political Career: In 2014, he contested for a seat in the Oyo State House of Assembly under the All Progressives Congress (APC) party. He later served as a Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth and Sports.
4. Kanayo O. Kanayo
Famous For: A veteran Nollywood actor, Kanayo is known for starring in films like Living in Bondage, The Ghost and the Tout, and Rattle Snake.
Political Career: Kanayo contested for a seat in the House of Representatives for Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Mbaise, Imo State, in the 2019 general elections. But he didn’t make it to the house.
5. Kate Henshaw
Famous For: Kate Henshaw is a Nollywood actress, known for her roles in films such as Stronger Than Pain and A Million Tears.
Political Career: In 2015, Henshaw contested for the House of Representatives seat in Cross River State, although she didn’t win. She has since remained active in advocating for social issues around women’s rights and more public participation in politics.
6. Yul Edochie
Famous For: Yul Edochie is a Nollywood actor and the son of legendary actor Pete Edochie. The younger Edochie became famous for his roles in films like Wind of Glory and Broke Heart.
Political Career: Yul Edochie contested for the Governorship of Anambra State in the 2017 elections under the Democratic People’s Congress (DPC). Although he didn’t win, he remains active in politics.
7. Jibola Dabo
Famous For: Jibola Dabo is a veteran Nollywood actor, known for his roles in movies like Diamond Ring and Obey.
Political Career: Jibola Dabo has expressed his political aspirations, campaigning in 2015 for the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency in Ondo State at the Federal House of Representatives. He lost.
8. Funke Adesiyan
Famous For: Funke Adesiyan is a Nollywood actress, popular for her roles in Obinrin Ale and Ayoku Leyin.
Political Career: In 2015, Adesiyan contested for a seat in the Oyo State House of Assembly under the All Progressives Congress (APC). She was also the Women’s Leader of the party in Oyo State. She also served as a personal assistant at domestic and social events for the former first lady, Aisha Buhari.
9. Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD)
Famous For: RMD is a Nollywood actor known for his roles in The Black Book, The Wedding Party, and Rattle Snake.
Political Career: RMD served as the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State under Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s administration from 2007 to 2015.
10. Kenneth Okonkwo
Famous For: Kenneth Okonkwo is a Nollywood actor, best known for starring in Living in Bondage, The Price of Peace, and The Storm.
Political Career: Kenneth Okonkwo is an active member of the Labour Party and has been outspoken on various political issues, particularly surrounding the 2023 elections. But in 2018, he announced his plans to contest for the House of Representatives, representing the Nsukka/Igboeze South Federal Constituency in Enugu under the PDP and later for governor of Enugu State under the APC.
11. Tonto Dikeh
Famous For: Tonto Dikeh is a Nollywood actress and singer, best known for films like Dirty Secret and The Fake Prophet.
Political Career: Tonto Dikeh contested as the Deputy Governorship candidate for the ADC in Rivers State during the 2023 general elections.
12. Olumide Oworu
Famous For: Olumide Oworu is a Nigerian actor best known for his roles as Tari in The Johnsons and Weki in MTV’s Shuga.
Political Career: In 2023, he ran under the Labour Party for the Lagos State House of Assembly seat representing Surulere 1 constituency.
13. Dayo Adeneye (D1)
Famous For: D1 is a Media mogul and entertainment personality known for co-hosting Primetime Africa and running Kennis Music.
Political Career: In 2015, he became the Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Ogun State under Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s administration.
14. Bob-Manuel Udokwu
Famous For: Bob-Manuel Udokwu is a Nollywood actor famous for his roles in Living in Bondage, Nneka the Pretty Serpent, and The Prince of Lagos.
Political Career: In 2022, he was appointed by Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra, as a special adviser on entertainment, tourism, and media.
15. Femi Adebayo
Famous For: Femi Adebayo is a Yoruba language Nollywood actor and filmmaker, known for films like Ayitale and Omo Ale.
Political Career: In 2019, Femi Adebayo was appointed Special Adviser to the Governor of Kwara State on Arts, Culture, and Tourism.
16. Julius Agwu
Famous For: Julius Agwu is a popular comedian and MC known for his Crack Ya Ribs comedy shows.
Political Career: He declared his intention to run for governor of Rivers State in the 2015 general elections. However, he later withdrew from the race before the elections took place.
17. Funke Akindele
Famous For: Funke Akindele is best known for her role as “Jenifa” in the hit series Jenifa’s Diary. She has produced and starred in several box office successes, including Omo Ghetto: The Saga and A Tribe Called Judah, solidifying her status as a leading figure in Nollywood.
Political Career: In 2022, Akindele was selected as the deputy governorship candidate for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, running alongside Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran in the 2023 elections.
18. Nengi Hampson
Famous For: Nengi Hampson is known for being a contestant on Big Brother Naija.
Political Career: In 2020, she was appointed as the Senior Special Assistant on Girl Child Development to the Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri.
19. Eniola Badmus
Famous For: Eniola Badmus is an actress who rose to fame as Gbogbo Big Girls in the original Jenifa film.
Political Career: In May 2024, Badmus was appointed the Special Assistant on Social Events and Public Hearings to the Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
20. Laide Bakare
Famous For: Laide Bakare is a Yoruba language Nollywood actress who rose to fame for her role in the film, Jejere.
Political Career: In February 2024, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke appointed her Senior Special Assistant on Entertainment, Arts, Culture, and Tourism.
