Elliot, Henshaw and 9ice
Fans of Nigerian entertainers seeking political offices have yet to come to terms with their agendas
Politics may not be all about bitterness and envy but celebrities who have put themselves up for political offices may find out that the game is different from what they experience on sets and red carpets.
For instance, when Nollywood actor-turned director, Desmond Elliot, released his campaign posters on social media on Saturday, stating his intention to run for a seat in The Lagos State House of Assembly, many fans were not concerned with his manifesto. Rather, they fixed their gaze on what they described as the actor’s ‘sudden’ name change.
This was simply because the dark-skinned actor had displayed his Yoruba name, Olusola, on his campaign poster. This is quite revealing to some of them. It also reminds them of the games Nigerian politicians play with names. Some of the obersvers, indeed, described Desmond’s action as suspicious, opportunistic and fake.
The reaction could be partly due to the fact that not many of them are aware that Elliot is indeed an indigene of Lagos State, let alone the fact that he was christened Desmond ‘Olusola’ Elliot. Yet, they felt Elliot has never really identified with his ‘Yoruba’ roots.
“Very sad. Like Jonna, who added Ebele to his name in order to fool the Igbo, this one has also added a Yoruba name to his name, just to get the votes of the ignorant people that will be carried away by his fame,” wrote a certain Blessing Efam on Twitter.
The jabs also moved to his instagram account, where another follower, MzEloh, wrote, “And ‘Olusola’ comes out. I thought he was from Delta State? Desmond, choose one: actor, filmmaker or politician.”
But Elliot is not the only Nigerian entertainer getting it hot from a cross-section of guys on the social media. Indigenous music artiste, 9ice’s foray into politics after suffering a dwindling music career is also attracting mixed reactions.
At the peak of his awareness campaigns recently publicised on social media, his estranged wife, Toni Payne, shared her thoughts on the ongoing trend that has seen a number of entertainers running for offices, on her Twitter account.
While no names were mentioned in the tweets, some could easily hazard a guess concerning who she might be referring to.
She tweeted, “Na wetin dem take chop una be that. Know your candidate well before you waste your vote. Not just what they promise. Check their track records.
“If Ramsey Noah decides to run for governor today, you will see people rally around for him because he is popular without knowing his full agenda.”
The artiste had earlier revealed that he was leaving music for politics because he believes he has achieved all there is to be achieved in music and he is ready to move on.
Going by the various moves by Nigerian entertainers, it is safe to say that the 2015 elections may just prove to be the defining moments for the likes of Funke Adesiyan, Kenny Saint Best, Bob Manuel Udokwu, Julius Agwu, Kate ‘Offiong’ Henshaw and Dan D’Humorous and Julius Agwu, who have indicated interest in partisan politics.
But pundits will also quickly note that it is wrong to overlook the potential of the artistes. The fact is that a good leader can also come from the entertainment fold, especially in a country as Nigeria where entertainers have, via their sweat and creativity, grown billion-naira Nollywood and music industries.
Besides, in other climes, a good number of artistes have stuck out their necks, with some of them ending up as successful politicians. Among such are a former US President, Ronald Reagan, who was once a radio announcer and actor; British theater actress Glenda Jackson, who eventually won a seat in the British Parliament for the Labour Party, and later served as junior transport minister; and Bollywood actor, Amitabh Bachchan, who also later secured a seat in the Indian Parliament.
Also, a former President of the Association of Nigerian Authors, Wale Okediran; and Yoruba movie actor and producer, Rotimi Makinde, have made it into the House of Representatives.