Nigerian entertainers are taking political positions as the 2027 elections draw closer. Some have already declared their support for political figures.
Others have accepted political appointments or joined campaign groups. Meanwhile, several high-profile celebrities could become targets for political parties seeking influence among young voters.
The relationship between entertainment and politics is not new in Nigeria. However, the growing reach of celebrities has made their political choices more important.
Afrobeats star Davido is one of the most prominent examples. The singer actively supported his uncle, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, during the 2026 governorship election.
Davido joined the campaign for Adeleke’s re-election and obtained a membership card of the Accord Party. His involvement showed how celebrity influence can become a powerful campaign tool.
Street-pop singer Portable has also declared his support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 ambition. The singer joined a pro-Tinubu support group and urged his fans to support the president.
Portable’s political history, however, has been less predictable. He previously supported different political parties during the 2022 Osun election.
His comments have also shown that personal interests can influence celebrity involvement in politics. That has sparked debate about the role entertainers should play in Nigerian elections.
Nollywood actor Yul Edochie has taken a more direct position. He recently joined a pro-Tinubu campaign group and took up a leadership role in its South-East structure.
Actor Bolanle Ninalowo has also been linked to the group. His involvement adds another Nollywood name to the growing list of celebrities supporting the president.
Not every entertainer supporting a political figure is doing so from the same position.
Some celebrities are campaigners. Others hold political appointments. A few have also decided to contest elections themselves.
Nollywood actor Kenneth Okonkwo falls into the latter category of politically active entertainers. He has moved beyond celebrity advocacy and now plays a direct role in opposition politics.
Okonkwo was appointed spokesperson to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar for the 2027 presidential campaign. His political experience makes him different from entertainers who simply endorse candidates.
Other celebrities could also join the political race before the 2027 elections.
Names linked to political ambitions include Cubana Chief Priest, Zubby Michael, Foluke Daramola, Rotimi Makinde, Damilola Marshal, Ike Cubana and Emeka Ike.
Emeka Ike, for instance, has declared his intention to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives.
The development points to a larger trend. More entertainers now see politics as a possible extension of their public careers.
Celebrities Political Parties Could Target
Political parties will also be watching entertainers who have not declared their support for any candidate.
Wizkid remains one of Nigeria’s biggest global music stars. He has mostly avoided partisan politics, despite his enormous influence among young Nigerians.
Burna Boy is another major name. The Grammy-winning singer has frequently spoken about social and political issues.
However, he has generally maintained his distance from traditional party politics.
Olamide could also attract attention from political campaigns. His influence extends beyond music and connects strongly with Nigeria’s youth and street culture.
Don Jazzy is another celebrity with significant public influence. His large digital following could make him attractive to politicians seeking to reach younger voters.
In Nollywood, actors such as Falz, Mr Macaroni and AY Makun also command significant followings.
Their individual political positions differ. Still, their ability to influence public conversations makes them valuable to political campaigns.
Celebrities Already Inside Politics
Several Nigerian entertainers have already moved closer to government.
Names such as Eniola Badmus, 2Baba, Sani Musa Danja, Laide Bakare and Anto Lecky have held political appointments.
Actor Saidi Balogun has also taken an active role in a pro-Tinubu support organisation.
These developments show that celebrity involvement can go beyond campaign appearances.
Entertainers can become mobilisers, advisers, campaign spokespersons or political appointees.
For political parties, the attraction is simple. Celebrities can draw crowds and generate online conversations.
They can also help politicians connect with younger audiences.
That audience will be particularly important in 2027.
2027 Could Bring More Celebrity Alignments
As political campaigns gather momentum, more entertainers are likely to reveal their preferred candidates.
Some will campaign openly. Others may accept political appointments or join support groups.
A few could even contest for elective positions.
At the same time, Nigeria’s biggest stars may choose to remain independent.
For politicians, however, celebrity influence will remain difficult to ignore.
The 2027 elections could therefore produce a new wave of alliances between Nigeria’s entertainment industry and political establishment.
The major question is no longer whether entertainers will enter the political conversation.
It is which stars will take a side, which will remain neutral and which could emerge as the most influential celebrity voices of the 2027 elections.
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