Few Nigerian celebrities in the music and movie industries have concluded plans to join the political terrain by vying for different elective positions in the forthcoming 2019 general elections.
Some of the celebrities contesting in different political parties, mostly to represent their constituencies in legislative positions include; Olubankole ‘Banky W’ Wellington, Emeka Ike, Desmond Elliot, Freedom ‘Mr Jollof’ Atsekpoyi and Shina Peller.
Singer and actor, Banky W, who is vying to represent Eti-Osa at the Federal House of Representatives, has the most publicised celebrity campaign on social media.
He unveiled his plans to contest under the Modern Democratic Party (MDP) on November 10, 2018 with a social media announcement explaining the need for young people to get involved in the electoral process.
Sharing on his Instagram page @bankywellington, he said, “They said we don’t have the money to run, we say our strength lies in our numbers. They say we don’t have the structure, we say we will attempt to build it.”
Following the announcement, other celebrities, including his wife and actress, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, have pledged their support massively, urging other young people to do same. Campaign concerts are held in place of rallies.
Also, Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Desmond Elliot, announced on December 10, 2018 that he was seeking re-election in Surulere Constituency 1 of Lagos State House of Assembly, which he currently represents, under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
On October 24, 2018, actor Emeka Ike made public his intentions to represent Okigwe South Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives under the Young Progressives Party (YPP).
He shared the campaign poster on his Instagram page @emekaikeofficial with the caption, “If the young has a voice, it’s now. Let’s urbanise Okigwe South Federal Constituency. Let’s engage her youths now.”
Meanwhile, entertainment businessman, Shina Peller, on July 6, 2018, announced his intentions to represent Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa constituency at the Federal House of Representatives under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He wrote on his Instagram page @shinapeller, “Hey people, I would like to formally invite everyone to the declaration of my political ambition.”
Instagram sensation, social commentator and musician, Mr. Jollof, announced his election bid on September 24, 2018 with posters of his campaign and the logo of his party, African Action Congress (AAC).
Showing his interest to represent Warri Federal Constituency, on his Instagram page @mr.jollof_, he wrote, “I don pay for nomination form o. As day break, make everywhere burst. Let’s take it back.”
Each of these celebrities have been making use of their social media platforms and large followership to push their political ambitions, with some keeping online diaries of campaign activities.
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