Nollywood superstar and box office sensation Funke Akindele has announced her intention to return to politics, despite the setback of her first attempt in 2023.
Speaking during the inaugural live edition of the WithChude podcast, the filmmaker and actress expressed deep satisfaction with her political experience, emphasizing that the journey was one of growth and learning.
“I am glad I went into politics. And ask me, am I going to do it again? Oh yes. Oh, I love it,” she declared with enthusiasm, signaling that her political ambition remains very much alive.
Funke Akindele had contested the 2023 gubernatorial elections in Lagos State as the deputy governorship candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The election was ultimately won by the All Progressives Congress (APC), but despite the loss, Akindele said her drive to contribute to society is what drew her into the political space.
“I need to support, I need to give back, that is why I went into politics,” she explained. Her passion for public service, she said, has not waned even in the face of political challenges and defeat.
Sharing insights into her political experience, Akindele recounted how eye-opening the journey was. “Getting into it, seeing the violence, seeing the shouting. Then I started watching female politicians—the way they speak and the way they command respect, authority,” she said.
According to her, those moments shaped her into a more assertive and confident individual. “And I’m like, hey, you are not alone. You can do it. And I stood, I spoke. I learned that from there, that you have to be bold. You have to be courageous. You have to be strong. What will be will be. Fear will only put you in a place.”
Akindele also reflected on how the political experience deepened her awareness and sharpened her intellect. “So, all this I learned from doing politics. And I got to know a lot of numbers. I got educated more, acquired more knowledge. You know, I’m reading more now, knowing more about my country, knowing more about my state,” she said.
She emphasized that political engagement has given her the tools to speak more confidently and knowledgeably on national matters. “When I want to speak, I’ll speak with the statistics, you understand, with the data,” she added.
Following her loss in 2023, the actress had removed all political content from her social media, which many interpreted as a sign of retreat from politics. For months, she remained silent on political matters, choosing instead to focus on her film career.
Her comments on WithChude, however, mark a significant turning point. They signal not just a possible political comeback, but a renewed version of Funke Akindele—one who is more aware, more informed, and more determined than ever to make a difference.
