Actress Regina Daniels’ mother, Rita Daniels, has lost the presidential election of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) after a closely contested vote during the Guild’s annual general meeting in Benin, Edo State.
The election, conducted on Saturday, saw the National Secretary of the Guild, actor Abubakar Yakubu, secure victory with 116 votes, edging out Rita Daniels, who received 113 votes. Three ballots were declared invalid during the process.
Yakubu’s win marks a historic milestone, as he becomes the first Northern actor to lead the Actors Guild of Nigeria since the organization was established in the 1990s. The former AGN President, Emeka Rollas, handed over leadership to Yakubu following the election.
The AGN election was highly competitive, with Rita Daniels seeking to become the first female president of the Guild in several years. The close vote difference—just three ballots—highlighted the intense competition and the strong support both candidates received within the Guild.
Speaking to journalists, some Guild members expressed optimism about Yakubu’s leadership, noting his experience as National Secretary and his active involvement in AGN activities. Others acknowledged Rita Daniels’ effort to bring fresh ideas and advocated for greater female representation in leadership positions.
Founded in the 1990s, the Actors Guild of Nigeria is the umbrella body for professional actors in the country. The Guild regulates standards in the film industry, advocates for actors’ welfare, and promotes professional development. Over the years, AGN has played a critical role in shaping Nigeria’s entertainment landscape, including Nollywood, which is now one of the largest film industries globally.
The Guild’s leadership has historically been dominated by actors from Southern Nigeria, making Yakubu’s election as the first Northern president a notable development in bridging regional representation within AGN.
Rita Daniels, a veteran actress in Nollywood and mother of Regina Daniels, entered the race with the goal of promoting inclusivity and mentoring young actors. Her campaign emphasized support for emerging talents, better welfare packages for actors, and strengthening the Guild’s influence in national policy discussions affecting the entertainment sector.
Despite her loss, Rita Daniels received strong backing from members who admired her contributions to Nollywood and her dedication to advancing the industry. Many praised her courage to contest the election, noting that her participation brought attention to the role of women in leadership positions within the entertainment sector.
Weeks before the election, outgoing AGN President Emeka Rollas, who had led the Guild through several reforms, reportedly advised Rita Daniels to focus on her daughter Regina Daniels’ well-being instead of contesting the election. Rollas’ statement sparked discussions among industry watchers, with opinions divided on whether his comments were appropriate.
Regardless, Rita Daniels continued her campaign and remained committed to her vision of reforming the Guild and supporting actors’ welfare.
Abubakar Yakubu, the newly elected president, is expected to continue some of the initiatives started by his predecessor while introducing reforms to enhance actors’ welfare and industry standards. As National Secretary prior to his election, Yakubu was involved in policy formulation, dispute resolution, and organizing Guild events across Nigeria.
The outcome of the election has elicited reactions from Nollywood stakeholders. While some members expressed disappointment at Rita Daniels’ loss, many congratulated Yakubu for his historic achievement. Industry analysts have noted that the election highlights the growing professionalism and democratic practices within the Guild.
Social media also reflected mixed reactions. Some fans praised Yakubu’s win as a step toward regional inclusivity, while others expressed support for Rita Daniels, applauding her for challenging the status quo and promoting female leadership in Nollywood.
The AGN election underscores the evolving dynamics of leadership in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. It reflects increasing interest in gender inclusivity, regional representation, and the importance of professional standards in Nollywood.
Yakubu’s victory as the first Northern president represents a significant shift in the Guild’s leadership landscape, signalling that actors from all regions now have greater opportunities to participate in decision-making and policy formulation.
