As the election season reaches its peak, we take a look at the Nigerian celebrities trying to become public office holders.
Contestants participating in the 2019 elections are not just seasoned politicians; celebrities and experts from various sectors of the country are also trying to get into various positions.
A look at the candidates list by TheCable Lifestyle showed that there are five of them.
Here they are:
Olubankole Wellington
Popularly referred to as Banky W to his fans, this 37-year-old singer cum music producer is contesting for the Eti Osa seat at the federal house of representatives under the auspices of Modern Democratic Party.
Desmond Elliot
This actor, who first ventured into politics in 2015, is seeking re-election into the Lagos state house of assembly for the Surulere constituency with the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Emeka Ike
One-time president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Emeka Ike is contesting for the federal house of representatives seat in Okigwe south constituency, Imo state under Young Progressive Party.
Freedom Atsepoyi is an Instagram comedian popularly known as Mr Jollof. He is contesting for the Warri constituency seat at the federal house of representatives under the African Action Congress.
Shina Peller
This entertainment entrepreneur, who owns Aquila Group of Companies and Quilox, a popular club in Lagos, is contesting for the Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajola federal constituency seat in Oyo under the All Progressives Congress.
Speaking to NAN on Friday, Don Pedro, chairman, Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Lagos chapter, appealed to his members to vote for actors and actresses contesting for political positions.
“This invariably shows that entertainers can add value to the society and can also make a difference in governance,” he said.
“I commend my colleagues who have taken this bold step to contest for political positions, and I urge our members to come out en masse and vote for them.
“When we go out to vote, we should vote in unison; and our first choice of whom to vote should be AGN members.”
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