Not many gave any of the entertainers who ventured into politics in this present dispensation a chance. Some said they would go nowhere in their ambition because they have no political structure on the ground like the politicians they are up against.
But actor and filmmaker Desmond Elliot has given them something to chew on by clinching the ticket for the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Lagos State House of Assembly primaries on Tuesday. In Surulere Constituency 01, which ticket Elliot picked, the incumbent, Kabiru Lawal, was said to have stepped down for him. Elliot was able to pull support from his people when women and youths in Surulere Constituency endorsed the star actor for the seat.
Contrary to speculations, the Nollywood actor has been very active in the constituency, awarding scholarships to youths, providing free health insurance for the elderly and empowerment programmes for the widows and single mothers, among others.
However, Kenny Saint Brown (KSB), who contested in the primaries to represent Ikeja constituency, was not as fortunate; she lost the 2015 bid to Folajimi Mohammed, son of National Publicity Secretary of APC, Lai Mohammed.
Also, Dayo Adeneye, popular as D1, lost the bid to represent his Odogbolu constituency at the Ogun State House of Assembly at the primaries held in the state.
Now that the fate of these three entertainers has been decided, it is the turn of their counterparts like Kate Henshaw, Tony Tetuila, Abolore Akande (9ice) and a host of others. If anything, this development would have taught them a lesson to close ranks in their constituencies and make a good job of their ambition to represent their people.
Of particular interest is the contest between entertainers Bob-Manuel Udokwu of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Tony Muanagor (Tony-One-Week) of APC, who are both contesting for the same seat at the Anambra State House of Assembly on different party platforms.