Funke Akindele has reignited her political ambitions with a bold declaration that she is ready to contest again after her 2023 governorship loss in Lagos State. The award-winning actress and former PDP deputy governorship candidate made this known during a candid conversation on the inaugural live edition of the WithChude podcast.
After losing alongside her principal Abdulazeez Adediran to APC incumbent Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Akindele had wiped her social media clean of political content—sparking speculation about her withdrawal from politics. But in a powerful statement, she revealed that her silence was only a pause, not the end of her political journey.
“I need to support. I need to give back. That’s why I went into politics,” she said. “I saw the violence, I heard the shouting, and I started watching women like Abike Dabiri. The way they command respect—I said, ‘You too go, you can do it.’” Her statement has been widely shared across social media as fans applaud her renewed resolve.
Akindele, who is best known for her role in Jenifa’s Diary, said her political journey taught her to be bolder, braver, and more informed. “Fear will only put you in a place. What will be, will be,” she noted. “Now, I speak with data and statistics. I’m reading more. I know more about my state, my country.”
Despite losing the 2023 election, her campaign saw massive youth engagement and grassroots support—earning her praise for bringing fresh energy to Lagos politics. She now says the knowledge and experience she gained in that process are shaping her comeback plans.
The actress revealed that her time in the political arena not only changed her public image but also empowered her to speak more confidently on national issues. “Politics has helped me grow intellectually. It has deepened my love for service,” she said. “And yes, I’m going to do it again.”
As 2027 approaches, the stage seems set for Funke Akindele to make a major political return. Whether it’s another Lagos governorship run or a strategic pivot, one thing is certain—she’s not backing down, and this time, she’s coming with more grit and data.
