Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele says joining politics made her bolder, smarter, and more aware of how leadership and governance work in Nigeria.
At the recent #WithChude Live talk hosted by media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo, Akindele spoke about her political journey as the deputy governorship candidate for Lagos State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, where she ran with Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor) but lost to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“I needed to support others. I needed to give back — that was why I went into politics,” she explained. “Getting into it, seeing the violence, hearing the shouting, then I started watching female politicians — the way they speak and command respect and authority. And I said to myself, ‘Hey, you can do it.’”
Akindele revealed that the experience taught her boldness, resilience, and the importance of being informed.
“I stood, I spoke. I learnt that you have to be bold, courageous, and strong. What will be, will be. Fear will only keep you stuck,” she said.
According to her, politics pushed her to acquire more knowledge, especially in civic matters.
“I started reading more, learning more about my country and my state. When I want to speak now, I speak with statistics — with data. So yes, I’m glad I went into politics. And if you ask me whether I’ll do it again? Oh yes!” she said.
