From Nollywood stars to celebrity businessmen and social media personalities, the list of entertainers seeking political positions in the forthcoming 2027 general elections has gradually gathered momentum.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that several Nigerian entertainers and celebrities have begun making moves into active politics, with many declaring interest in legislative and executive positions across the country.
While fresh faces are now joining the political space, some entertainers such as actor and Lagos lawmaker, Desmond Elliot, and Nollywood veteran, Kenneth Okonkwo, have remained active in politics for some years now.
Desmond Elliot currently serves in the Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Surulere Constituency, while Kenneth Okonkwo has previously been involved in presidential campaign activities and partisan politics at the national level.
Below are some of the entertainers who have expressed their political ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections:
The most recent of the celebrities is Veteran Nollywood actress, Foluke Daramola-Salako, who on Thursday, May 14, officially obtained All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination and expression of interest forms to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that Daramola, in a Facebook post, shared a photograph of herself holding the forms.
The actress had earlier declared interest in representing Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency 1.
Daramola said she would support laws aimed at improving the welfare of workers if elected. She urged residents of Oshodi-Isolo to pursue their ambitions with purpose and clarity.
“As your servant and potential aspirant for the House of Representatives, Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency 1, I, Hon. Foluke Daramola-Salako, lift you up in prayers: May Almighty God open doors of opportunities for us all and keep us safe.
“Together, we will build a stronger, better Oshodi,” she wrote.
2. Emeka Ike:
Veteran Nollywood actor, Emeka Ike, last week picked nomination forms under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as he prepares to contest for the House of Representatives seat representing Abuja Municipal Area Council/Bwari Federal Constituency.
The latest political move marks another attempt by the actor to secure elective office.
In 2018, Emeka Ike contested under the platform of the Young Progressive Party for the Ideato South Federal Constituency seat in Imo State but was unsuccessful.
Celebrity businessman and nightlife promoter, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Chief Priest, has openly signalled his political ambition ahead of the 2027 elections.
The socialite recently aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and reportedly obtained nomination forms to contest for the House of Representatives seat representing Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency in Imo State.
His political move has continued to generate reactions among supporters and political observers, with many describing it as a major transition from entertainment and hospitality into public service.
Popular Nollywood actor, Zubby Michael, has also declared his intention to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that the actor announced his political ambition after registering with the party in Anambra State.
“I dey my village, enough of the talking online, I don involve. House of Reps, Zubby Michael is coming. ADC is the party,” he wrote on 𝕏.
Reports indicate that the actor is eyeing the Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency seat in Anambra State.
His declaration has sparked discussions among fans and political commentators over the increasing participation of entertainers in governance.
5. Rotimi Makinde:
Actor and former lawmaker, Rotimi Makinde, is reportedly preparing for a return to the National Assembly.
Makinde previously represented Ife Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and has remained active in political discussions in Osun State.
The actor is said to believe that his previous legislative experience places him in a strong position to once again represent his constituency.
6. Damilola Marshal
Damilola Marshal, daughter of Fuji music legend Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, has also declared interest in politics ahead of the elections.
The lawyer, who currently serves as Senior Special Assistant on Culture and Tourism, is reportedly preparing to contest for a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Her campaign focus is said to centre on youth inclusion, empowerment and reforms targeted at young Nigerians.
7. Ike Cubana
Businessman Ikenna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Ike Cubana and younger brother to celebrity entrepreneur Obi Cubana, has also intensified his political activities ahead of 2027.
The businessman reportedly joined the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and is seeking to represent Idemili North/South Federal Constituency in Anambra State.
His entrance into partisan politics has further fuelled conversations around celebrity influence in the South-East political landscape.