5 Nigerian actors/actresses that ventured into politics
By Patricia Uyeh
Politics in Nigeria has come a long way. It is no longer restricted to a particular set of people. Nowadays, even our celebrities are filling up political positions. Before now, we had the likes of Hilda Dokubo and Nkiru Syvannus towing along that path as Special Adviser to the former Governor of Rivers State Peter Odili and Special Assistant on Lagos State Affairs to Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha in 2011 respectively.
Below are the list of Nigerian actors that are into politics:
1. Desmond Elliot
In 2014, Nollywood star and movie director, Desmond Elliot ventured into politics. He joined the All Progressive Congress. (APC). The following year, he ran for a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly and emerged winner. He has since been sworn in as a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Surulere 01 Constituency.
2. Femi Adebayo
Popular Yoruba actor,Femi Adebayo was made the Special Adviser to the Governor of Kwara State, Abdulfatah Ahmed on Arts, Culture and Tourism in February 2016. He is also a lawyer, film actor, director and producer. He is the son of ace popular actor, Adebayo Salami( Oga Bello).
3. Ini Edo:
The sultry actress began her acting career in 2000. She has featured in over 200 movies. In February this year, Ini Edo was appointed Special Adviser on Tourism to the Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel.
4. Kate Henshaw
The Nollywood diva also ran for office. However, she lost at the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) primaries in Calabar state. In December 2015, Kate Henshaw was made Special Adviser, Liaison, Lagos to Cross River state.
5. Dayo ‘D1’ Adeneye
When Veteran broadcaster, Dayo ‘D1’ Adeneye announced that he was running for office, he
released a poster and wrote “My dear friends. Having succumbed to the wishes and requests of my people in Ogun state I have decided to contest in the 2015 elections. Kindly keep me in your prayers as I embark on this next phase of my life.” Sadly, he missed out at the primaries but thankfully, a year later he was appointed as the Commissioner for Information & Strategy in Ogun state.
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