Singers Martins Okechukwu Justice aka ‘J Martins’ and Olubankole Wellington, better known by his stage name ‘Banky W’ announced their intention to run for political office during next year’s general elections.
KAMPALA | NOW THEN DIGITAL — In a recent announcement, musicians Martins Okechukwu Justice aka ‘J Martins’ and Olubankole Wellington aka ‘Banky W’ have announced plans to run for political office during Nigeria’s general elections next year.
- In Abia State, award-winning musician and head of the Orion Music Empire label, J Martins, will seek to represent Arochukwu/Ohafia.
- Banky W has announced his bid for the Eti-Osa constituency in the House of Representatives, declaring that he will run on the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ticket.
- This comes after he unsuccessfully tried to join the house in 2019 on the youth-led Modern Democratic Party ticket.
- In 2020, they both joined other entertainers in the #EndSARS campaign, which called for police reforms and social justice.
- Read also: Spotify announced today that Nomfundo Moh was selected to join the EQUAL Africa programme, which targets Africa’s female artists.
J Martins, the head of the Orion Music Empire label and award-winning musician, is running for Abia State representative of Arochukwu/Ohafia.
Banky W announced his bid for the Eti-Osa constituency in the House of Representatives, saying he would run on the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ticket.
His latest bid follows his unsuccessful bid to join the House in 2019 on the Modern Democratic Party ticket.
Known within Nigerian music circles as icons, both artists are no strangers to political activism. Politics are occasionally incorporated into their songs.
In 2020, they joined forces with other entertainers for the #EndSARS campaign.
Among the factors that led J Martins and Banky W to decide to run in the 2023 general election is a growing call for change throughout Nigeria’s political landscape and the need for well-meaning citizens to become involved in the process of transforming Nigeria into what they desire.
“The situation in our country has made it increasingly important for everyone with ideas, especially those with successful careers and professionals to embrace politics and bring aboard their wealth of experience to help fix our country while only God has the complete solution to humanity’s problems, I pledge a paradigm shift that will result in the supply of basic amenities of life that our people deserve,” J Martins said.
Banky W said: “We can no longer settle for candidates who feel entitled to their place in government. We need candidates who will earn and treasure their right to serve. As a nation, we need innovation and reform. But reform will happen when enough of us with like minds, who have the best interest of the nation at heart, are in government.”
“The problems in Nigeria are from the top down but the solutions are from the bottom up and so some of us must infiltrate the major platforms that exist in order to build an army of like minds who will enter government with the same agenda.”
We must engage with Nigeria where it is, not where we prefer for it to be.
In 2019, we planted the seed. In 2023, by the grace of God, and with your support, we will win the seat. The time for just talking is over. It's time to #TalkAndDo. I hope I can count on you. We move. pic.twitter.com/lCGO4PpCBj
— Banky Wellington (@BankyW) April 1, 2022
Elections will take place in Nigeria on 25 February and 11 March next year for the presidency, vice-president, governor, Senate, and House of Representatives.
