The actors in the Nigerian entertainment industry seem to have their hands in a lot of pies as they simultaneously pursue a career in different genres. Perhaps every pore in their bodies ooze talent as they evolve in their career.
However politics is a different ball game as some of this artists have delved into this scene. After all some of their counterparts in Hollywood did the same like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Cynthia Nixon (Sex and the City) and of course Donald Trump who is the president of the United States.
As the countdown begins for the general elections, Yule Edochie has not made a secret his support for the PDP as he has expressed interest in becoming the governor of Anambra state. He is not the only one with his eye on state matters. Emeka Ike had expressed interest in 2018 much to the chagrin of some people who were of the opinion that he is not suitable. His response to their skepticism was quite colourful to say the least.
The actor was not so successful in his quest to become the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria perhaps his fortunes might change in the bigger scene.
Kanayo O Kanayo also dabbled into it, well let’s just say he should stick to his sinister roles in films that fans enjoy so much.
Desmond Elliot was successful in his quest as he won under the APC. Although his presence in the House of Assembly has not really been felt as much as it was in the entertainment industry.
The Nigeria political scene is very difficult to assess, it is monopolized by a very few and they run it with a very tight whip. Nobody is admitted unless the ‘godfathers’ allow it. So perhaps these actors through their fame and their faces appearing on the screen made themselves visible and easier to gain admittance.
Politics is a game, an act that these actors may be conversant with in the various roles in a film and can handle themselves. But they should be prepared. This is the real deal. There is no script, no cut, no retake, and no resurrection after death to appear in another film.
In the words of a certain APC chieftain,
“Only those who can bear the pains of rigging…
ehm I mean defeat should involve themselves in elections.”