Filmmaker Funke Akindele has announced her intention to run for political office again, explaining her reasons for re-entering the political arena.
In the 2023 general election, Akindele was the running mate of PDP governorship candidate in Lagos, Olajide Adediran, known as Jandor.
During an interview on Arise TV’s Perspectives show, shared on YouTube on Saturday, the 46-year-old actress and mother-of-two discussed her political ambitions.
“Entering politics was a significant step for me. I enjoyed it and will definitely do it again. I have been running a studio since 2000, producing and working with various people, from crew members to cast. Through the Jenifa Foundation, we nurture young talents by training them in filmmaking. They gain hands-on experience in different departments such as hair, makeup, lights, and camera. Empowering young people and nurturing talent is my passion. Some say I’m strict, but it’s because I care deeply about uplifting people. If given a larger platform, I could make an even bigger impact,” Akindele said.
She explained that her decision to enter politics was motivated by a desire to represent young people who often feel neglected. “Many young people complain about the lack of opportunities and issues in the country. I wanted to step in and represent their interests. Despite the challenges, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and felt proud to represent the youth.”
Akindele acknowledged that transforming Nigeria is a long-term process that cannot be achieved overnight or within a single term. However, she believes political officeholders can initiate meaningful changes.
She also addressed accusations that her candidacy was driven by personal gain, emphasizing that her campaign revealed the struggles many Nigerians face, which reinforced her commitment to stand up for them.
“I appreciate private sectors supporting the government, and I believe we should focus more on such support. While criticism is important, it’s also crucial to ask how we can help. As youths, we need to identify our unique gifts and take initiative. Entering politics was a major step for me,” she noted.
Reflecting on the campaign challenges, Akindele said, “You have to be on the ground, constantly engaging with people and understanding their real issues. It’s not enough to address superficial problems; you need to dig deeper. This process taught me a lot about the hardships people endure and the necessity of thoughtful solutions. It’s not about making grand declarations but about understanding and addressing core issues.”
