Election: Banky W writes supporters after losing to APC

Nigerian musician turned politician, Olubankole Wellington, popularly called Banky W, has written an emotional post to his supporters in the aftermath of his loss at the polls.

Banky W, who is the candidate of the Modern Democratic Party (MDP), is a first-timer in politics.

MDP, which was founded in 2017 by some youth associations, is led by Bukunyi Olateru-Olagbegi, a 27-year-old youth activist and entrepreneur.

Banky W contested against Babajide Obanikoro, the first son of a former minister of state for defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, of the APC and Omotesho Bakare of the PDP.

The singer, who hoped to represent Eti-Osa Federal Constituency seat in House of Representatives, lost to Mr Obanikoro.

Banky W, who has already accepted defeat after placing second at the polls, appreciated his followers for standing by him even as a political newbie.

Writing on Instagram, his post read, “Soooo grateful for everyone who has believed in our movement to give us a chance.

“We have worked. We are top 3, and we earned every single vote we got. We will sustain the momentum and continue building this movement. We are not finished, we’re just getting started.”

The singer also called on active youth participation in Nigerian politics even as his party’s membership registration reopens on May 29.

Banky W, who defeated APC at Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s polling unit at the Victoria Garden City in Lagos, declared his political ambition at a well-attended ceremony in Lagos in November 2018.

Other Nigerian musicians who have delved into politics are Tony Tetuila and 9ice. Tetuila, who declared his intention to run for Kwara State House of Assembly in 2015, did not show up at the primaries.

9ice, who declared his interest to contest for a seat at the Federal House of Representatives in 2014, lost out during the primaries.

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