Nollywood powerhouse, Funke Akindele is not done with politics just yet — and she’s making that crystal clear, with a plan to come back to politics.
With the same charisma that made Jenifa a household name, Akindele is charting her course back into Nigeria’s political landscape, vowing to pick up where she left off with renewed passion and purpose.
“I enjoyed it, and I will do it again,” she said with unflinching confidence during an appearance on Arise TV’s Perspectives. Her words weren’t mere nostalgia — they were a signal: Funke Akindele is coming back, and this time, she means business.
A Star Who Dared to Step Into Public Service
In 2022, when Akindele accepted the PDP’s call to serve as deputy governorship candidate for Lagos State under the banner of Olajide ‘Jandor’ Adediran, many saw it as a bold experiment. For her, it was a natural progression — a leap from spotlight to service. Though the PDP lost to the incumbent Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the 2023 elections, Akindele didn’t retreat in defeat. Instead, she emerged even more resolved.
“I’m tired of complaining about Lagos not working for me,” she explained. “I had to do something — I had to be involved.”
Beyond Politics: A Life of Purpose
Akindele’s influence extends far beyond the ballot. She’s a storyteller, a culture-shaper, and more recently, a UNAIDS National Goodwill Ambassador — a title she took on in 2024 to promote HIV awareness and health equity in Nigeria. Whether on set or on stage, Akindele uses her voice to amplify real issues.
Her 2022 film, Battle on Buka Streets, served as both a box office hit and a symbolic exit from Nollywood — a “farewell project” that marked the beginning of her deeper dive into political advocacy.
Not Just a Comeback — A Movement
What makes Akindele’s political return particularly compelling is the sincerity behind it. She’s not chasing headlines; she’s chasing impact. Her journey has blended art, activism, and ambition in ways few public figures have dared to do.
And while many expected her political flame to fade after the elections, Akindele is showing that she’s not a one-season wonder in governance. She’s gearing up, learning the ropes, and laying the groundwork for what could be a defining chapter in her already illustrious career.
Whether rallying voters or telling compelling stories through film, Funke Akindele continues to defy expectations, reminding Nigerians that true leadership isn’t about background, but about boldness, heart, and the willingness to act.
