Nollywood star and box office queen Funke Akindele has announced plans to return to politics after her first attempt in 2023 ended in defeat. The actress made the revelation during the inaugural live edition of the ‘WithChude’ podcast, expressing her unwavering passion for public service.
Funke, who was the deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, contested in the 2023 election, which was won by the All Progressives Congress (APC). Despite the loss, she remains optimistic about her political journey.
Speaking on the podcast, Funke said:
“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 motivation, Funke shared that her desire to give back to society inspired her political ambition.
“I need to support, I need to give back, that is why I went into politics,” she said, reflecting on her firsthand experiences in the political space.
She described the challenges she encountered, including exposure to violence and intense political climates, and how these shaped her growth.
“Getting into it, seeing the violence, seeing the shouting… Then I started watching female politicians the way they speak, the way they command respect and authority.
And I’m like, hey, you are not alone. You can do it. And I stood, I spoke. I learned from there that you have to be bold, courageous, and strong. What will be will be. Fear will only put you in a place.”
Funke emphasized that her political journey has broadened her knowledge and deepened her understanding of national and state issues.
“I got to know a lot of numbers. 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 and data.”
Following her 2023 election loss, Funke Akindele had deleted all political posts from her verified Instagram account, sparking speculation that she was stepping back from politics. Since then, she has remained relatively quiet on political matters until her latest comments reignited public interest in her political aspirations.
The 9am News report highlights that Funke’s renewed political ambitions underscore a growing trend of celebrities leveraging their influence to drive societal change. Her commitment to re-entering politics signals her determination to play a more active role in shaping Nigeria’s future.
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