Renowned Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has reaffirmed her commitment to politics, announcing plans to contest again after her unsuccessful bid as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deputy governorship candidate in Lagos State during the 2023 elections. Speaking at the inaugural live edition of the WithChude podcast on May 1, 2025, Akindele broke her silence on political matters, reflecting on her transformative journey and expressing determination to re-enter the political arena. Her announcement comes after she deleted all campaign-related posts from her social media following the PDP’s defeat to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who secured 762,134 votes against PDP’s 62,449.
Akindele, best known for her iconic role in Jenifa’s Diary, described her foray into politics as a bold step driven by a desire to give back to her community. “I need to support. I need to give back. That’s why I went into politics,” she said, acknowledging the challenges she faced, including violence and intense campaign rhetoric. Drawing inspiration from female politicians like Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Akindele learned to speak with authority and resilience. “I stood and spoke. I learnt that you have to be bold, courageous, and strong. What would be would be. Fear will only put you in a place,” she stated, emphasizing the personal growth she gained from the experience.
The 2023 campaign, while unsuccessful, was a profound learning curve for Akindele. She highlighted how it deepened her understanding of governance and equipped her with data-driven insights about Lagos and Nigeria. “I got educated more and acquired more knowledge. I’m reading more and knowing more about my country and my state. When I want to speak, I speak with statistics data,” she explained. Despite facing setbacks, including public backlash and an incident where political thugs disrupted her campaign at Ikosi fruit market, Akindele remains undeterred. Her resolve echoes her earlier statement post-election, where she expressed no regrets, calling the journey “an amazing and insightful experience” that taught her to confront fear head-on.
Akindele’s decision to return to politics has sparked renewed interest, with supporters on platforms like X praising her resilience and potential to inspire youth and female participation in governance. Her candidacy in 2023, though marred by challenges like intra-party disputes and misogynistic criticism, was seen as a bold move for a Nollywood star transitioning to public service. As she prepares for another political run, Akindele’s focus on boldness, data-driven advocacy, and community service positions her as a formidable figure in Lagos politics, determined to leave a lasting impact ahead of the 2027 elections.
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