The Special Adviser on Media to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Jubril Gawat, has responded to the surprising political declaration by Nollywood actress and social activist Chioma Grace Ifemeludike, who announced her intention to contest in the upcoming Anambra State governorship election on the platform of the African Action Congress (AAC).
Ifemeludike made the announcement on X (formerly Twitter), expressing confidence in her ability to lead the state and describing herself as the most suitable candidate for the November 8, 2025, gubernatorial election. In her post, she also shared new campaign-inspired photos, accompanied by the message:
“The lighthouse is about to be lit.”
Her declaration immediately caught the attention of both fans and political enthusiasts, sparking wide-ranging discussions about her chances in the high-stakes election.
Reacting to her post, Jubril Gawat, who serves as the chief media aide to the Lagos governor, offered a lighthearted yet diplomatic remark. In a brief response on X, he wrote:
“Tohhh, I wish Anambrarians well ooooo.”
The comment quickly went viral, drawing thousands of engagements from social media users.
While some interpreted Gawat’s message as a friendly show of support, others saw it as a humorous or tongue-in-cheek reaction to the actress’s unexpected entry into the political arena.
Online reactions to both Chioma’s announcement and Gawat’s response were sharply divided.
Many Nigerians lauded the actress for her courage to challenge the political establishment in Anambra State, commending her for taking a bold step into active politics.
“At least she’s not just complaining from the sidelines,” one user wrote. “We need more young and outspoken Nigerians to contest for leadership positions.”
Others, however, questioned her readiness and political experience, expressing doubts about her ability to withstand the intense competition expected from major parties like the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and All Progressives Congress (APC) all of which have deep-rooted structures in Anambra.
Chioma Ifemeludike, who has gained public recognition not only for her roles in Nollywood films but also for her strong advocacy on social issues, said her decision to run for governor stemmed from a desire to create meaningful change in her home state.
She has been a vocal critic of corruption, poor governance, and the marginalization of youth and women in Nigerian politics.
While she did not disclose the details of her campaign structure or running mate, her choice of the African Action Congress (AAC) a relatively young political party founded by activist Omoyele Sowore signals her alignment with progressive and reformist ideals.
The AAC has consistently advocated for transparency, social justice, and youth inclusion in governance.
Political observers say her entry into the race reflects the growing trend of celebrities and young Nigerians turning to politics as a means of driving reform. Recent years have seen several entertainers, activists, and influencers declare political ambitions, highlighting a shift toward civic engagement among Nigeria’s creative community.
Meanwhile, Gawat’s reaction, though brief, underscores the increasing intersection between politics and pop culture in Nigeria’s digital space. His comment has since been shared widely, prompting playful banter and further debate about the seriousness of Chioma’s candidacy.
Supporters of the actress maintain that her background as a communicator and activist gives her a unique perspective on governance, while critics argue that politics in Anambra one of Nigeria’s most politically sophisticated states requires extensive grassroots connections and political strategy..Read Original