The former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr Sam Amadi has revealed reasons celebrities are not openly backing their colleagues Tonto Dikeh and Funke Akindele who are contesting in the 2023 elections.
Daily Post quotes Amadi as saying the reason could be attributed to financial selfish interests.
Since Funke Akindele and Tonto Dikeh announced their political ambitions, few or hardly any celebrity has shown them support.
Both leading actresses were picked as running mates of governorship candidates in two states contesting for the 2023 general election.
Funke Akindele was picked as the running mate to the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Dr Olajide Adediran aka Jandor, while Tonto Dikeh was picked as running mate to the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State, Tonte Ibraye.
Other celebrities vying for different positions in the 2023 general election which is just less than 100 days away are Kenneth Okonkwo, Abolore Akande, a.k.a Nice, Bankole Wellington, a.k.a Banky W, Desmond Elliot among others.
Instead of supporting their colleagues, Nollywood and Kanywod movie stars have decided to follow political parties that can afford them.
Many were recently seen in Jos on Tuesday to show solidarity and support to the APC flagbearer, Bola Tinubu.
They had come out in their numbers to honour Tinubu at the flag off of his presidential campaign in the Plateau state capital.
Amadi, who is also a political analyst, told the Daily Post that the competition among professionals, especially in the entertainment sector is very high, as most celebrities earn in different capacities depending on their profiles.
He advanced that “Most of these actors and singers depend on politicians and corporate entities for endorsement and oftentimes they are more concerned about what they will benefit. And if they are going to support one of their own, it means they are going to take a position against the more commercially profitable parties that are competing.
“If Funke Akindele wasn’t running, she would probably be supporting Atiku, Tinubu, Peter Obi or some party that has the capacity to pay them for their endorsement, support or other forms of advocacy they do for them.”
Read also:
‘It’s an Insult to Mention Funke Akindele’s Name Around Me’ – Tinubu (video)
Tonto Dikeh Speaks on Wike’s Support for Her Political Ambition
Reason Celebrities are Not Backing Tonto Dike and Funke Akindele