By Dansu Peter Popular Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele is once again hinting at a return to the political arena, reigniting...
By Dansu Peter
After keeping a low profile following her 2023 bid as the deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Akindele has now made it clear—she’s not done with politics.
Speaking candidly on a recent episode of the WithChude podcast, Akindele opened up about her political journey, revealing a renewed passion for public service.
“I’m not done yet,” she said firmly. “I need to support. I need to give back. That’s why I went into politics in the first place.”
In the last election, she ran alongside PDP’s Abdulazeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, in a campaign that fell short against the incumbent, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the All Progressives Congress (APC). After the defeat, Akindele went silent—removing political content from her social media and stepping away from the public eye. Many assumed she had exited the political stage for good.
But according to her, that break wasn’t about giving up—it was about regrouping.
“I saw the violence, I heard the shouting,” she said, reflecting on the 2023 elections. “And then I started watching women like Abike Dabiri. The way they command respect—I said to myself, ‘You too, go. You can do it.’”
Best known for her role in Jenifa’s Diary, Akindele shared how politics has transformed her. She’s become more grounded, more informed, and more confident in using facts and data to support her views.
“Fear will only put you in a place,” she said. “But what will be, will be. Now, I speak with data and statistics. I’m reading more. I know more about my state and my country.”
While her first attempt at politics didn’t result in victory, it left a lasting impression—particularly among young voters who saw her as a breath of fresh air in the political landscape. Her grassroots campaign was bold, energetic, and relatable, resonating with those hungry for change.
Now, she says she’s returning with greater experience and a deeper sense of purpose—not as a celebrity dabbling in politics, but as a citizen who’s done the homework.
“Politics has helped me grow intellectually,” she said. “It’s deepened my love for service. And yes, I’m going to do it again.”
Her declaration has sparked a wave of support online, with fans and political observers commending her resilience and vision.
Whether she officially throws her hat into the ring in 2027 remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Funke Akindele is not backing down, and her voice will remain a significant one in the evolving story of Lagos politics.
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