Nollywood actress and box office sensation Funke Akindele has revealed plans to return to politics following her unsuccessful bid as the deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State during the 2023 elections.
Akindele, who ran alongside PDP’s governorship candidate Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor), lost to the incumbent All Progressives Congress (APC) in the polls. Despite the setback, the actress remains undeterred and has expressed her intention to re-enter the political arena.
Speaking during her appearance on the inaugural live edition of the ‘WithChude’ podcast, Akindele affirmed her passion for politics, stating, “I am glad I went into politics. And ask me, am I going to do it again? Oh, yes. Oh, I love it.”
Explaining her initial motivation for venturing into politics, the actress cited her desire to contribute to society. “I need to support, I need to give back, that is why I went into politics,” she said.
Reflecting on her experience, Akindele acknowledged the challenges of political participation, including violence and hostility. However, she drew inspiration from female politicians who commanded respect and authority. “Getting into it, seeing the violence, seeing the shouting… I started watching female politicians, the way they speak, the way they command respect, authority. And I’m like, hey, you are not alone. You can do it,” she recounted.
The actress also highlighted the personal growth she gained from her political journey, emphasizing her increased knowledge and confidence. “I learned that you have to be bold, courageous, and strong. What will be will be. Fear will only put you in a place… I got educated more, acquired more knowledge. I’m reading more now, knowing more about my country, knowing more about my state. When I want to speak, I’ll speak with statistics, with data,” she explained.
Following her 2023 election loss, Akindele had deleted all political-related posts from her Instagram page, leading to speculation that she was stepping back from politics. However, her recent comments confirm her continued interest in public service and governance.
Akindele’s announcement has sparked discussions among fans and political observers, with many anticipating her next move in Nigeria’s dynamic political landscape.
