Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele is making headlines once again—not for a blockbuster film, but for reigniting her political ambitions.
After a period of silence following her 2023 electoral bid, Akindele is stepping back into the spotlight with renewed purpose. During a candid conversation on the WithChude podcast, the former deputy governorship candidate made it clear: her political journey is far from over.
I’m not done yet,” she affirmed. “I need to support. I need to give back. That’s why I went into politics in the first place.”
In 2023, Akindele ran alongside Abdulazeez “Jandor” Adediran under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), challenging the incumbent Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Their campaign may have fallen short at the polls, but it left an undeniable mark—especially among young, hopeful voters.
After the election, Akindele withdrew from the political limelight, even wiping political content from her social media. Many assumed she’d exited the scene for good. But as she revealed, the silence was intentional—a time to reflect, regroup, and learn.
I saw the violence, I heard the shouting,” she recalled. “And 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 unforgettable role in Jenifa’s Diary, Akindele spoke passionately about how her foray into politics reshaped her perspective. It pushed her to study harder, understand governance more deeply, and shed fear in favor of facts.
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.”
Her previous campaign may not have ended in victory, but it sparked vital conversations and brought fresh energy to Lagos politics. Now, she’s returning not as a celebrity dabbling in politics, but as an informed citizen with a renewed commitment to public service.
Politics has helped me grow intellectually,” she said. “It has 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 observers praising her courage and persistence.
As Funke Akindele charts her next steps, one thing is certain: her voice is one to watch in the evolving landscape of Nigerian politics.
