Even though some have started feeling the heat, ANTHONY ADA ABRAHAM and SAMUEL ABULUDE, in this piece, write on the ongoing canvassing of votes by celebrities vying for elective offices while some are already dropping their ambition
If entertainers think it’s going to be easy, they should have a rethink because politics is another genre of life entirely.
Julius Agwu
When news of comedian Julius Agwu hit newsstands the he is delving into politics, people thought it was another comic relief. But when it became glaring he was serious the focussed on entertainers grew stronger.
In a related development we for feelers that he has withdrawn his intention to be the next governor of Rivers State.
According to a statement from his manager, Prince Sunday Uwem: “There was a meeting yesterday (Thursday, October 30) between Julius Agwu and his kinsmen from Ikwere, and it was agreed that he should step down from the governorship race because the current governor Rotimi Amaechi is his friend and they are both from the same area.
“They’ll want the position to rotate to another part of the state and Julius Agwu has decided to listen to his people and withdraw from contesting.”
Earlier this month, sources in the comedian’s camp said Governor Amaechi invited Julius to a meeting, urging him to step down based on the rotation quota of the state. That the comedian is being offered a legislative post but he’s yet to fully decide what his next line of action will be. This will be determined by a couple more meetings he is planning with stakeholders to ascertain what other viable positions are available for him.
Desmond Olusola Elliot
Even with the political sphere getting busier now as elections hold in ninety days time. For the new entrants, personalities in the entertainment industry- the art of politicking is getting hotter as they seek endorsement from different groups and sectors.
Movie actor and producer, Desmond Olusola Elliot perhaps is the busiest of all. On Tuesday, Kanu Nwankwo, former Super Eagles player and respected footballer in Africa and United Nations Ambassador, gave a big boost to the political aspiration of Desmond Olushola Elliot (DOE) at a political forum recently. Kanu told the gathering, in Surulere, that he believed Desmond Elliot will make the constituency and the people of Surulere proud when elected into the Lagos House of Assembly, just as he too had made Nigeria and Nigerians very proud as a good representative of the country abroad. He made the declaration at a forum organised for Desmond Elliot to meet a group of Widows in Surulere.
While addressing the crowd, Elliot spoke extensively on the several community based projects he has been sponsoring over the years, some of which include; sponsoring of over 20 students through tertiary education at the National Open University- NOUN, talent sponsorship for the entertainment industry, working in partnership with some financial institutions to give loans to micro businesses and medical support. He also spoke on the many social plans his party, the All Progressives Congress, has for Nigerian women. Prior to signifying interest in politics, Elliot had for several years established a humanitarian foundation that has been meeting the needs of poor communities in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Uganda and some other African communities. These are the past and present good works done that have positioned him as the choice candidate that will truly address the needs of the people, especially those in his constituency when elected their representative in 2015. Desmond Olushola Elliot is contesting for the post of Representative at the Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA) on the platform of the APC, representing Surulere Constituency.
He has received immense support from his immediate Nollywood community, his numerous fans and major APC party caucuses within the local government since flagging off his campaign.
9ice
Last week, 9ice who is contesting for Oyo State House of Assembly under the Ogbomoso constituency under All Progressives Congress (APC) continued his canvassing of votes in Ogbomosho communities. He also bought the ticket for the Oyo State House of Assembly membership and pictures of it went viral.
Funke Adesiyan
Funke Adesiyan, an actress and former protegee and purported lover of Saheed Balogun, has also obtained her form formally signifying her intent to vie for Oyo State House of Assembly under Ibadan South constituency. The actress who surprised many on account of her relative fame caused tongues to wag when she announced her political ambition seven weeks ago.
Dayo Adeneye
Showbiz mogul, Dayo Adeneye popularly known as D-One is the most recent to throw his hat into the political ring. The handsome and co-presenter of music programme, Prime Time Africa says his people in Odogbolu (his hometown) requested that he leads and represents them in the legislative arm of government, the Federal House of Representatives and engineer social development in the area on account of his popularity and success story in showbiz in Nigeria and beyond.
D-One was seen midweek having received the support of his former boss and CEO of AIT and Raypower stations, Chief Raymond Dokpesi. The pictures went viral online of an unassuming Dayo Adeneye postrating to Dokpesi having visited him for the much needed moral and political support. It is not know which party, the hotel owner will pitch his tent but like others, All Progressives Congress (APC) may just be his party of choice.
Kenny Saint Best
Inspirational singer and Kennis Music executive, Kenny Saint Best (KSB) is another artiste who means business of vying for an elective post under the Lagos House of Assembly. The passionate woman and mother of two got endorsed last week by her ‘constituency’ Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON).
The CMO in a forum openly threw its weight behind the ‘Turn Me Around’ crooner, the first candidate that a creative-industry body will openly support. KSB faces a tough contest under Ikeja 1 constituency with more than four grassroot politicians aiming for the same slot in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
With an active involvement in politics under Onigbongbo local government for six years now, Kenny says she‘ll take up the case of the youth who according to her have been sidelined in the scheme of things. She said in an all-female programme, ‘Your View’ that empowerment of Nigerian youths will be uppermost on her agenda.
Kate Henshaw
Kate Henshaw who is going for House of Representatives in Rivers State says her passion and popularity will see her through as she is set to contribute her quota and bring the touch of excellence, finesse and creativity to the lower chamber of the national assembly.
Others Vying for elective posts
Kenneth Okonkwo- PDP – For Federal House of Representatives
Bob Manuel-Udokwu- APGA from Idemili, Anambra State- For Anambra State House of Assembly
Jibola Dabo- PDP- from Ile-Oluji in Ondo State- For Ile-Oluji-Ondo constituency, Federal House of Representative.
Tony Tetuila- APC -from Kwara State – contesting under Kwara State House of Assembly.
Dan D’ Humorous - Party Unknown- State not ascertained yet- Contesting under Rivers State House of Assembly.
Like in politics, there are pretenders and contenders and it is too early to say who stands a brighter chance among these personalities from the entertainment industry. But this paradigm has set the stage for more people willing and daring to bring themselves up to challenge the status quo and offer change in the country’s polity.
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