by Wareez Odunayo

It is now common that a lot of successful Nigerian celebrities are beginning to carve a niche for themselves in politics and other fields.

Celebrities who have been in politics include; Kate Henshaw, Desmond Elliot, Julius Agwu, 9ice, Richard Mofe Damijo,  Ini Edo, Femi Adebayo, Funke Adesiyan, Onyeka Onwenu, Kenneth Okonkwo, Kenny Saint Brown among others.

On Thursday, August 3, 2017, Nigerian singer and songwriter, Kingsley Chinweike Okonkwo, also known as Kcee announced his decision to contest for the Anambra state governor’s seat.

The Limpopo crooner declared his intention by sharing a poster on his Instagram page, yesterday, he wrote, ”It’s about time, Big Announcement on Tuesday, August 8, 2017, at 11 am…. #Nottooyoungtorun #Attentiontodetail2017.”

Nollywood actor Yul Edochie has also revealed his intention to contest for the number one seat in Anambra state.

Edochie took to social media on Friday, July 14, 2017, to disclose his intention. He wrote with a photo post of himself, “My name is Yul Edochie. And I’m running for Governor of Anambra State. 2017. #TheLastBusStop.”

“We need a new brand of Leaders who will put the masses first. The older ones have failed us for too long… They have come to THE LAST BUS STOP!!!,”  Edochie added.

However, the two celebrities did not announce the platform on which they would be contesting.

The incumbent governor of the state, Willie Obiano tenure is expected to end on March 17, 2018.

Meanwhile, 13 aspirants have also indicated interest to contest the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra state on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The aspirants include; former CBN governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, former national internal auditor, Chief George Muoghalu and billionaire businessman, Chief Ifeanyi Ubah.

Others are Senator Andy Uba, Senator Uche Ekwunife, Chief Barth Nwibe, Mr Obinna Okonkwo, Chief Paul Chukwuma, Chief Obinna Uzor, Dr Chike Obidigbo, Chief Ralph Okeke, Chief Tony Nwoye and Prince Donatus Okonkwo.

Considering the fact that the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has threatened to disrupt the elections in the state, will the emergence of artistes change the story?

IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu has been quoted as saying the Anambra election will not hold if the struggle for Biafra is not achieved. Can Yul Edochie and Kcee beat the Biafra activist to his game?