Veteran Nollywood actor, Emeka Ike, has officially declared his intention to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The actor announced that he would be seeking to represent the Abuja Municipal/Bwari Federal Constituency under the platform of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).
Emeka Ike made the declaration while speaking about his decision to move fully into active politics, saying his goal is to help improve governance and bring development closer to the people.
According to him, Nigeria needs leaders who are ready to build effective systems capable of promoting growth, accountability and better service delivery across the country.
“I am running for the Federal House of Representatives under the Bwari Federal Constituency in Abuja,” the actor said.
“We want to make a statement. I want to step into the real thing right now. If I have made Nigerians happy through entertainment, let us see how we bring dividends close to you.”
The actor also said he wants to challenge politicians who believe political power belongs only to a few individuals.
“Let us block the boys who think they have the power. If we stand, they will run,” he added.
A video currently circulating online showed the Nollywood star receiving his nomination form from party officials, confirming the start of his political campaign activities.
A member of his campaign team also disclosed that the actor had already emerged as the winner of the NDC primary election for the constituency and would now prepare for the main election in 2027.
The development adds to the growing number of Nigerian entertainers who are becoming actively involved in politics ahead of the next election cycle.
In recent years, several actors, musicians and comedians have shown interest in public office, with some arguing that celebrities can use their popularity and influence to mobilise young people and promote political participation.
However, critics have also argued that popularity alone is not enough for effective leadership, insisting that competence, experience and clear policy direction are equally important.
This is not Emeka Ike’s first attempt at elective office.
In 2018, he contested for a seat in the House of Representatives under the platform of the Young Progressive Party (YPP).
At the time, he sought to represent Ideato South Local Government Area of Imo State but was unsuccessful in the election.
His latest political ambition under the NDC now shifts his focus to the Federal Capital Territory, where he hopes to represent residents of the Abuja Municipal/Bwari Federal Constituency.
The 2027 general elections are already beginning to attract political activities across the country as parties and aspirants position themselves ahead of the campaigns.
Major political parties are expected to intensify consultations, alliances and grassroots mobilisation in the coming months.
Emeka Ike remains one of Nollywood’s most recognised actors, especially among fans who followed the growth of the Nigerian movie industry in the 1990s and early 2000s.
He rose to prominence after starring in the 1994 movie “Deadly Affair,” which helped establish him as one of the leading actors of his generation.
Over the years, he featured in several successful films alongside top Nollywood stars including Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Rita Dominic, Chioma Chukwuka, Kate Henshaw, Desmond Elliot, Jim Iyke and Ramsey Nouah.
Known for his emotional acting style and romantic movie roles, Emeka Ike became a household name during the early years of Nollywood’s rapid expansion.
After spending years away from major movie productions, the actor made a return to Nollywood in 2023 with a role in “Malaika,” a movie produced by actress Toyin Abraham.
His return to the screen attracted attention from fans who had not seen him regularly in recent productions.
Beyond acting, Emeka Ike has also been involved in issues concerning the welfare and regulation of actors within the Nigerian movie industry.
At different times, he publicly criticised the leadership of some actors’ associations and called for reforms in the entertainment sector.
The actor’s latest political move has generated reactions online, with supporters expressing excitement over his decision to seek public office.
Some fans described him as outspoken and passionate, while others said they hoped he would bring the same energy from entertainment into politics.
Others, however, argued that politics requires more than fame and urged voters to focus on ideas, competence and plans for development.
The growing presence of entertainers in Nigerian politics is not entirely new.
Several celebrities have previously contested elections or held political appointments at both state and national levels.
Among them are actor Desmond Elliot, who currently serves in the Lagos State House of Assembly, and singer Banky W, who contested for a seat in the House of Representatives in Lagos.