Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has officially declared her intention to return to politics, confirming that she will contest again following her debut political run in the 2023 Lagos State governorship election. Akindele, who was the deputy governorship candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alongside Abdulazeez Adediran (Jandor), revealed her plans during an interview on the inaugural live edition of the popular ‘WithChude’ podcast.
Reflecting on her political journey, Akindele described the experience as transformative and empowering. She said that entering politics made her bolder, more courageous, and gave her a deeper understanding of the realities of governance and leadership in Nigeria. Despite facing challenges such as political violence and intense confrontations, she emphasized that these obstacles strengthened her resolve to serve.
Inspired by female political figures like Abike Dabiri, Akindele learned the importance of speaking with authority and commanding respect. She acknowledged that her political journey pushed her to become more informed, especially in areas like statistics and governance, enabling her to engage more effectively in civic discourse.
Following her defeat to incumbent Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023, Akindele had removed all political content from her social media platforms and maintained a low profile regarding her political ambitions. However, she now credits her time in politics for broadening her knowledge and commitment to public service. “I need to support, I need to give back, that is why I went into politics,” she explained.
Akindele’s renewed political ambition signals her determination to remain an influential figure in both the entertainment and political spheres. She concluded emphatically, “I’m glad I went into politics. And ask me if I am going to do it again? Oh, yes.” Her announcement has sparked renewed interest among her fans and the general public, eager to see her next moves in Nigeria’s political landscape.
