The battle for the governorship seat in Lagos is a serious one yet Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is confident of victory in the election coming up on March 18.
His confidence may have come from many of the endorsements he has received from notable individuals and sectors, especially the movie industry.
He has a tough battle ahead against Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour and Jandor of PDP who also have the support of members of the entertainment industry, but in terms of numbers, Sanwo-Olu leads the endorsement race.
Despite intimidation by supporters of other candidates, many members of the Nollywood industry have come out to declare their support for Sanwo-Olu.
They face criticism and cyberbullying on a daily basis but that has not deterred them from throwing their weight behind the APC candidate.
Below are some of the candidates who have come all out for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Eniola Badmus
The Yoruba actress is a staunch supporter of President-elect Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The actress has openly declared her support for the Governor.
She often describes Sanwo-Olu as a Governor who has been kind to the movie industry.
Eniola has also never shied away from attending the campaign rally of the APC despite heavy criticisms by supporters of other political parties.
Jide Kosoko
Jide Kosoko is the secretary of the Creative Directorate of the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council.
He has also openly come out to declare support for the Sanwo-Olu/Hamzat team for Governor/Deputy Governor in 2023.
He takes part in rallies and campaigns to different districts in Lagos to sensitize citizens on the merits of re-electing the Governor for a second term and has led other actors to do the same.
Mercy Johnson
The actress on the 9th of March, 2023 came out to openly declare Governor Sanwo-Olu as her choice for Lagos state.
She stated that Sanwo-Olu’s efforts that have improved healthcare, women’s development, transportation, entrepreneurship, education, and infrastructure in Lagos State.
According to her, the Governor’s result from his first four years in office can be seen and measured, citing the handling of the Covid 19 pandemic, entrepreneurship programs, and background work to help women who have suffered from domestic abuse as examples of the works carried out the APC administration.
Joke Silva
Joke Silva has also shown support for the Governor’s re-election, saying that Sanwo-Olu had on two occasions rescued her.
The first time was when she had to pay some money to the Lagos state government but couldn’t and after putting a call to the Governor, he bailed her out.
The governor also helped her when equipment worth 12 million for the Lufodo Academy for Performing Arts was destroyed during the 2020 EndSars protests.
However, Silva reciprocated by joining women’s rallies to drum up support for the governor.
She is also a member of the women’s wing of Tinubu’s presidential campaign council. She held the role of the Head of the Creative and Entertainment industry.
Desmond Elliot
Nollywood actor turned politician Desmond Elliot has also shown support for Sanwo Olu/ Hamzat 2023.
Speaking on why the Governor should be re-elected, Desmond said Sanwo-Olu has done a lot of work but some are yet to be completed.
He went on to say that Lagos is a continuum, which is why it is the pride of every economy.
Saidi Balogun
Balogun is another member of the movie industry who supports the APC party and has endorsed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for a better Lagos in the 2023 gubernatorial elections.
The actor, who is the president of the Golden Movies Ambassadors of Nigeria, often describes Sanwo-Olu as a working governor.
He has participated in many campaigns of the APC, especially in Lagos.
Fathia Balogun
Fathia has firmly pitched her tent in the camp of Governor Sanwo-Olu.
She has often joined other actors and actresses to solicit support from the people for the Governor.
She is also a member of the Tinubu presidential campaign council under the Performing Arts Directorate.
Gbenga Adeyinka
Gbenga Adeyinka has also shown support for the APC party candidate. He is also the official anchor of events hosted by the family of president-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He was present at the final APC rally in Lagos and was campaigning for the Governor during the rally.
Benedict Johnson
Igbo actor Benedict Johnson has also come out to support Sanwo-Olu/Hamzat’s ticket.
He has partaken in campaigns and rallies drumming support and sensitizing the Igbos to vote for the APC candidate.
Hadiza Kabara
Hausa actress Hadiza Kabara who is a native of Kano has also shown support for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu ahead of the 2023 gubernatorial election by participating in the APC women’s rally which took place in Lagos state.
Other notable actors and actresses who have lent their voices in support of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy Governor Quadri Hamzat for re-election include Mr. Latin, Toyin Abraham, Salami Adebayo, Femi Adebayo, Elesho, Rahamada Sadau, Damola Olatunji, Bimbo Akintola, Eniola Ajao, Tade Ogidan, Rose Odika, Zack Orji, Taiwo Hassan, Foluke Daramola, Gentle Jack.
