Over the years, many Nollywood actresses have been invited by their state governments to receive political nominations, while some have been willing to delve into politics with the hope of serving the people.
Here are six Nollywood actresses who have been run for office or appointed.
1. Ini Edo
Iniobong Edo Ekim is a Nigerian actress, producer, and director. She is from Akwa Ibom State, and she is one of the actresses that has held a political position in Nigeria.
In the year 2016 Ini Edo was appointed as the Special Assistant to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on culture and tourism. The actress’s appointment was renewed in 2020 when Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, the current governor of Akwa Ibom State, was re-elected into office.
2. Kate Henshaw
Kate Henshaw is a professional Nigerian actress, model, and movie producer. She is from Cross River State and she is one of the actresses that has held a political position in Nigeria.
In the year 2014, the actress officially unveiled her campaign website as she was aspiring to represent the Calabar Municipal/Odukpani Federal constituency under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Kate Henshaw lost the primary election to Rt. Hon Essien Ayi was appointed as Special Adviser Liaison, Lagos by Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade in December 2015.
3. Funke Akindele
Akindele Olufunke Ayotunde popularly known as Jenifa is a Nigerian actress, movie producer, and director. She is from Ikdrodu Lagos State.
In 2022 she was nominated by People’s Democracy Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran as the running mate for the 2023 Lagos state governorship election.
4. Tonto Dikeh
Tonto Charity Dike is a Nigerian actress, singer, songwriter, and humanitarian. She is from Obio-Akpor in River State.
In 2022, the actress was unveiled as the deputy governorship candidate under the Africa Democratic Congress in the 2023 River State gubernatorial candidate.
5. Hilda Dokubo
Hilda Dokubo is a Nigerian actress, activist, and youth advocate. She is from Asari-Toru River State and she is one of the actresses that has held a political position in Nigeria.
The actress was one of the first Nigerian celebrities to get into the political game. She was appointed Special Adviser on Youth Affairs to the former Rivers state governor, Peter Odili in the early 2000s.
6. Nkiru Sylvanus
Nikiru Sylvanus is a Nigerian actress and a politician. She is from Osisioma in Abia State.
She was one of the first set of celebrities to venture into politics. In 2011, she was appointed the Special Adviser on Lagos Affairs to the Imo State Government. She was later made Special Adviser on Public Relations to the same state Government.
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