By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Nollywood is more than just a movie industry, it has become a springboard into diverse careers, including politics.
Over the years, some of its biggest stars have stepped out of the spotlight to contest elections and take up public office, proving that their influence extends well beyond the screen.
This article by The Nation, highlights seven Nollywood actors who made the leap into politics:
1. Kate Henshaw
In 2014, Kate Henshaw declared her intention to contest for the Calabar Municipal/Odukpani Federal Constituency seat under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). She lost in the primaries.
2. Funke Akindele
Funke Akindele, popularly known in her popular film series, ‘Jenifa diary’, contested in the 2023 Lagos State gubernatorial election as the deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but lost the election.
3. Richard Mofe-Damijo
Richard Mofe-Damijo served as Delta State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism from 2009 to 2015 under Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.
4. Bob-Manuel Udokwu
In 2022, Bob-Manuel Udokwu was appointed Special Adviser on Entertainment, Leisure and Tourism to the Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Soludo.
5. Kenneth Okonkwo
Kenneth Okonkwo, known for his role in Living in Bondage, joined active politics and became a spokesperson for the Labour Party during the 2023 presidential campaign.
6. Desmond Elliot
Desmond Elliot was elected as a lawmaker into the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2015 to represent Surulere Constituency 1. He was re-elected in 2019 and continues to serve in the Assembly.
7. Tony Muonagor
Tony Muonagor, popularly known as Tony One Week, was elected into the Anambra State House of Assembly in 2011 to represent Idemili North Constituency.
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