National News – Nollywood actress and politician Funke Adesiyan has withdrawn from the contest for the House of Representatives seat representing Ibadan South-East/North-East Federal Constituency in Oyo State, a development that has shifted early political calculations within the All Progressives Congress ahead of future elections.
She made the announcement in a Facebook post dated April 24, 2026, addressed to the APC chairman in Ibadan South-East Local Government Area, explaining that her decision followed careful reflection and extensive consultations.
She described the withdrawal as personal and deliberate, rooted in a desire to prioritise credibility, long-term value and purposeful public service.
This move places renewed attention on internal dynamics within the APC in Oyo State, where aspirants are already positioning ahead of the next general election cycle.
Political observers note that celebrity-backed candidacies often face intense scrutiny, balancing public popularity with grassroots party structures.
Adesiyan’s withdrawal may therefore reflect a strategic reassessment of viability within a competitive constituency landscape.
Reactions among supporters have been mixed, with some expressing disappointment at the decision, while others praised what they described as political maturity and caution.
Within party circles, the development is seen as an opportunity to realign candidacies, while analysts suggest it could signal broader recalibration ahead of 2027 contests in Oyo State.
This episode highlights the evolving relationship between entertainment figures and formal politics in Nigeria, where name recognition can open doors but does not guarantee electoral success.
It also underscores the importance of timing, party structure alignment and sustained grassroots engagement in determining political outcomes.
In Oyo’s political landscape, stakeholders say the withdrawal may ease internal contest tensions but also raises questions about how parties engage high-profile aspirants beyond symbolism.
Some residents in Ibadan view the development as a sign that politics remains demanding even for public figures, requiring deeper organisational grounding.
Others argue that her decision could preserve her influence for future political entry points rather than a potentially bruising electoral debut.
Ahead of the next electoral cycle, attention now shifts to APC’s replacement strategy in Ibadan.
