In July 2022, Nollywood actress Caroline Danjuma (also known as Caroline Hutchings) announced her selection as the Deputy Governorship Candidate for the African Action Congress (AAC) in Akwa Ibom State for the 2023 general elections, aligning herself with other female entertainers like Funke Akindele (PDP running mate in Lagos) and Tonto Dikeh (ADC running mate in Rivers). Danjuma shared the news on Instagram, posting a campaign poster with the caption, “To serve and to honor in loyalty and in truth to Akwa Ibom and Nigeria. So help me God…” Her announcement, as reported by Vanguard News and other outlets, drew support from fans, with X posts like, “Caroline Danjuma stepping into politics is a bold move! Akwa Ibom is lucky to have her.”
AAC’s Strategic Choice
The AAC, led by Omoyele Sowore, selected Danjuma as the running mate to its gubernatorial candidate, Iboro Otu, as confirmed in a statement on July 18, 2022, signed by State Chairman Utip Etiebet and Secretary Gabriel Ekpo. The party cited her “exemplary life, love for humanity, leadership ability, and commitment towards the betterment of Akwa Ibom communities” as reasons for her selection. Danjuma, titled Obong Uwana of Eket and hailing from the family of the former paramount ruler of Eket, Edidem William Esiet Ekwere, brought her credentials as an international businesswoman, award-winning actress, and philanthropist to the ticket. Her Hopeville Foundation and advocacy for causes like the separation of the Ayeni conjoined twins and Libyan slave rights underscored her humanitarian profile.
A Shift in Women’s Political Representation
Danjuma’s candidacy highlighted the growing presence of Nollywood women in Nigerian politics, challenging the under-representation that “constitutes a serious democratic deficit,” as noted by Vanguard News. Alongside Akindele and Dikeh, her entry signaled a shift, with celebrities leveraging their platforms to advocate for governance roles. Otu emphasized her political acumen, stating, “I spent months searching for the right individual… We know her capacity across board,” particularly praising her ability to rally attention to developmental issues. However, skepticism persisted, with some like Ms. Enefiok on X questioning the AAC’s grassroots presence, saying, “I am not sure up to 20 people will know about the party in Akwa Ibom.”
Challenges and Withdrawal
Despite initial enthusiasm, Danjuma’s political journey faced hurdles. By late 2022, reports surfaced, including from Ivory NG, that she withdrew her candidacy, citing Sowore’s “one-man show” leadership style within the AAC. Her withdrawal, unaddressed publicly by Danjuma herself, disappointed supporters, with X posts lamenting, “Caroline had so much potential for Akwa Ibom, sad she stepped back.” The AAC’s campaign, part of its Lazarus Project manifesto focusing on education, healthcare, agriculture, tech, and creative industries, struggled to gain traction, and Otu and Danjuma did not win the 2023 election, which saw Umo Eno (PDP) emerge victorious.
Legacy and Implications
Danjuma’s brief but high-profile candidacy sparked discussions about celebrity influence in Nigerian politics and the role of women in governance. Her academic credentials—an MBA and Masters in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos and Edinburgh Business School—and her philanthropy added credibility to her bid. While her campaign did not culminate in victory, it inspired discourse on platforms like X, with users noting, “Caroline, Funke, and Tonto are paving the way for women in politics.” Her exit highlighted challenges within smaller parties like the AAC, but her bold step remains a milestone in Nollywood’s political evolution.
