Bankole Wellington popularly known by his stage name, Banky W, has revealed his experience in his debut as candidate of a political party contesting for election.
The singer contested for election into House of Representatives to represent Eti-Osa federal constituency under Modern Democratic Party, MDP, in last Saturday’s presidential and national assembly elections but suffered defeat. However, his performance at the poll was impressive given his new entrance into party politics and the fact that he contested on the platform of an obscure party.
Against all odds, the singer won several polling booths including where Vice President, All Progressive Congress presidential candidate, President Muhammadu Buhari’s running mate, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, cast his vote with his wife, Dolapo, at Victoria Garden City, Lagos.
At the said booth, MDP garnered 186 votes to defeat the APC, which got 167 votes.
In an interview with Punchng.com after the election, the singer who has his hands in many pies, including acting, recounted his mixed-experience on the campaign trail.
“I did have some very mind-boggling experiences, and I can honestly say that it’s sad how much of a do-or-die affair politics is to some people. However, that can never, and will never be me. If I’m ever going to get into office, it will totally be because of the grace of God, the will of the community, the strength of my vision and willingness to work hard for it. Anything outside that is simply not for me. We received some small diabolical threats, but I always believed that ‘greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world’, so I was never scared, not for one second because I knew God would always protect His own,” he told the paper.
