Funke Akindele Opens Up About Her Transformative Political Experience
Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has shared how her foray into politics during the 2023 Lagos State gubernatorial elections transformed her personally and professionally. Speaking at the recent #WithChude Live talk hosted by media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo , Akindele revealed that running as the deputy governorship candidate under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alongside Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor) made her bolder, smarter, and more informed about governance in Nigeria.
Although the PDP ticket lost to incumbent Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) , Akindele described the experience as invaluable, stating she would not hesitate to enter politics again if given the chance.
Why She Joined Politics
Akindele explained that her decision to join politics stemmed from a desire to give back to society and support others.
“I needed to support others. I needed to give back — that was why I went into politics,” she said. “Getting into it, seeing the violence, hearing the shouting, then I started watching female politicians — the way they speak and command respect and authority. And I said to myself, ‘Hey, you can do it.’”
The experience taught her resilience, boldness, and the importance of being well-informed.
“I stood, I spoke. I learnt that you have to be bold, courageous, and strong. What will be, will be. Fear will only keep you stuck,” she added.
Lessons Learned and Personal Growth
Akindele credited her political journey with expanding her knowledge, particularly in civic matters.
“I started reading more, learning more about my country and my state. When I want to speak now, I speak with statistics — with data. So yes, I’m glad I went into politics. And if you ask me whether I’ll do it again? Oh yes!” she affirmed.
Her newfound confidence and awareness have inspired her to remain engaged in societal issues, even outside the political arena.
Mental Health Advocacy: Breaking the Silence
Beyond politics, Akindele used the platform to advocate for mental health awareness, urging people to seek therapy and speak up about their struggles.
Despite her public image of strength, she admitted to grappling with emotional pain and silent battles, including online bullying and the backlash from her political campaign.
“Right from the start, I’ve always known therapy is important, but I never submitted myself to it. I’d be scared people would hear and spread the gist. But I was dying in silence while acting strong,” she confessed.
The actress recounted how personal losses, including the death of her mother, compounded her struggles.
“When Mum passed on — my everything, my prayer partner — the politics, the backlash, the insults… I watched a video where women were mocking me, saying I didn’t have a husband. I broke down. I cried and cried. Then I told myself, ‘You need to speak to someone. You can’t continue like this,’” she said.
Finding Relief Through Therapy
Akindele eventually sought therapy and found relief, encouraging others to do the same.
“Things I couldn’t tell others, I told my therapist. And now I feel better. So I want to advise everyone out there: it’s very important to speak up. Yes,” she emphasized.
She also recounted a painful episode during a family holiday in Dubai when she was wrongly accused of neglecting her late Jenifa’s Diary co-star, Adejumoke Aderounmu , who reportedly struggled with depression before her passing in 2024.
“People called me out, saying, ‘She was in Jenifa — why are you acting like you care now?’ I was already depressed myself. I was bottling so much in,” she recalled.
“To cope, I went into a room, locked the door, and did a live video — just to speak out. Some people lock the door and end their lives. I thank God I locked the door and went live instead.”
A Message of Vulnerability and Strength
Reflecting on her journey, Akindele emphasized that vulnerability is a sign of strength, not weakness.
“There’s no such thing as a strong person. You need to speak up,” she said.
Her openness about mental health challenges and her political experiences highlights the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and advocacy in overcoming life’s hurdles.
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