For some people, one disappointment is enough to put an ambition on hold. For others, it becomes a reason to return with a different approach. In politics, however, returning to the scene often comes with its own questions, especially when the previous attempt left more questions than answers.
For Nollywood actor Olumide Oworu, the road to elective office has already had its share of unexpected turns. And as another general election approaches, he appears ready to give his political ambition another chance.
An Ambition That Began In 2023
Long before his latest declaration, Olumide Oworu had set his sights on representing the people of Surulere Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
In 2023, the actor, known for his work in the Nigerian entertainment industry, ventured into politics under the Labour Party (LP). At the time, his ambition was to secure the party’s ticket and challenge the incumbent lawmaker, Desmond Elliot, who was seeking another term in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Oworu’s entry into the race attracted attention, partly because he was a familiar face in Nollywood and partly because he represented a growing number of young Nigerians seeking to participate more actively in politics. His decision also came at a time when the Labour Party was gaining significant attention ahead of the 2023 general elections, with many young Nigerians expressing support for the party and its candidates.
For Oworu, however, the ambition was not simply about joining a popular political movement. It was about seeking an opportunity to represent the community he considered home. But as the election drew closer, his journey took an unexpected turn.
The Ballot Controversy That Changed Things
What appeared to be a promising political journey later became complicated as the 2023 election approached. Despite being associated with the Labour Party’s Surulere Constituency 1 ticket, Oworu’s name was missing from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) final list of candidates for the Lagos State House of Assembly election held on March 18, 2023.
Instead, the name of Adebayo Bode appeared as the Labour Party candidate for the constituency. This meant that Oworu, who had been preparing to challenge Desmond Elliot, could not contest the election under the party’s name as he had initially intended.
The development attracted attention, particularly because of the legal disputes surrounding the Labour Party’s candidate nominations ahead of the election.
Oworu later addressed the controversy in a statement published on March 22, 2023, in which he accused INEC of failing to comply with a Federal High Court judgment delivered on February 2, 2023.
According to him, the judgment in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2115/2022 ordered the electoral commission to reopen its website to allow the Labour Party to submit its candidates’ list or accept the list manually. He maintained that INEC had failed to upload the names submitted by the party in October 2022. In his words:
“Regarding the authenticity of my candidacy and my name not appearing on the ballot, that is a situation that came about due to the failure of the INEC to comply with the subsisting judgment of the Federal High Court delivered on the 2nd of February 2023.”
He also insisted that his decision to enter politics was not for publicity, but was driven by what he described as a genuine desire for change.
Meanwhile, the election went ahead with Adebayo Bode representing the Labour Party.
Desmond Elliot of the All Progressives Congress (APC) retained the Surulere Constituency 1 seat, polling 17,877 votes, while Bode came second with 7,822 votes.
For Oworu, the outcome meant that his first attempt at elective office ended without him getting the opportunity to test his popularity at the polls. It was a disappointing turn for an ambition that had attracted attention months earlier. But the actor did not completely shut the door on politics.
Three Years Later, Olumide Oworu Is Back
On Tuesday, November 10, 2026, Oworu returned to the political scene with another declaration, this time setting his sights on the 2027 general elections.
The actor shared a campaign flyer featuring his photograph and announcing his intention to contest for the House of Representatives seat representing Surulere 1 Federal Constituency in Lagos State.
Unlike his 2023 attempt, when he ran under the Labour Party, he announced his latest ambition under the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
In the accompanying statement, Oworu reflected on his previous experience and the support he received from young people in Surulere. He wrote:
“In 2023, we dared to believe that things could be different. We stepped out, we organized and we proved that the youth of Surulere Constituency 1 are ready for governance driven by conscience.”
He acknowledged the circumstances that prevented his name from appearing on the final ballot but maintained that the experience did not end the movement he had started with his supporters. He added:
“Despite the administrative hurdles that left our names off the final ballot, your resilience showed me that our vision was never a passing phase. Instead, it was the beginning of something much more significant.”
He also used the opportunity to challenge young Nigerians to become more involved in decisions affecting their future, arguing that they could not continue to leave governance in the hands of political leaders who might not experience the consequences of their decisions. He stated:
“We cannot afford to sit on the sidelines while our future is decided by a political class that won’t have to live with the consequences of today’s choices.”
He subsequently declared:
“That is why I am incredibly proud to declare my candidacy for the House of Representatives (Surulere 1 Federal Constituency) in the 2027 elections under the banner of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).”
He ended the announcement by asking for continued support as he and his supporters worked towards what he described as an effort to “Reset Nigeria”.
The declaration marked his return to electoral politics after the 2023 experience, with a different political platform and a different legislative ambition.
From Labour Party to APM: A Renewed Political Ambition
One of the noticeable changes in Oworu’s latest political move is his decision to leave the Labour Party platform he used in 2023 and contest under the Allied Peoples Movement.
Although he has not publicly explained the reason for the change, his latest declaration makes it clear that he is approaching the 2027 elections with a different party affiliation.
There is also a change in the legislative seat he hopes to occupy.
In 2023, Oworu wanted to represent Surulere Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, where lawmakers handle state-level legislation and oversight.
For 2027, he is seeking to represent Surulere 1 Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, one of the chambers of the National Assembly, where lawmakers participate in making laws for the country and scrutinising the activities of the federal government.
The difference is significant. Rather than returning to contest for the same state legislative seat, he is now seeking a place at the federal level.
His November 10 video announcement also offered a glimpse into how he intends to present this new campaign. Sharing the video, he wrote:
“In 2023, we proved the youth can challenge the status quo. For 2027, our structures are reinforced and our vision is clear. We are ready to sit at the policymaking table.”
The statement suggests that he and his supporters intend to build on the political network they established during the previous election cycle.
However, whether the new party platform and the structures he says have been reinforced will give him a stronger position in the coming election remains to be seen.
Why Surulere? The Actor’s Vision For His Constituency
Beyond announcing his candidacy, Oworu used a campaign video shared on November 10, 2026, to explain why he wants to represent Surulere and what he believes the community needs. The actor described Surulere as more than a geographical location, presenting it as a community with its own culture, identity and potential. He said:
“Surulere is more than just a place on the map. It is a culture. It is a mood. It is an identity.”
He went on to describe the area as a place that represents resilience and innovation but argued that much of its potential remains untapped.
According to him, some of the challenges facing the community persist because of what he called the politics of old. He stated:
“Unfortunately, the issues in Surulere persist because we continue with the politics of old.”
He argued that the constituency deserves a modern voice in the House of Representatives, particularly one willing to champion economic empowerment and represent the interests of its people.
Oworu also placed emphasis on his personal connection to the area, explaining that his decision to contest was influenced by the fact that he grew up there and has spent most of his life in the community. He said:
“I grew up in Surulere. I’ve basically lived here all of my life. I have friends here. I have family here. I hang out here. I’m grounded here.”
For the actor, this connection is an important part of his campaign. He believes that having lived among the people gives him a better understanding of their experiences and the kind of representation they deserve.
He further argued that Surulere needs a representative who understands the community and shares its aspirations. He continued:
“I’m not just running for a seat at the House of Representatives. I’m running to bridge the gap between our present today and our future tomorrow.”
He also spoke about making the Surulere of their dreams a reality, urging residents to support the movement.
While his video highlights economic empowerment, modern representation and the need for change, he has yet to publicly outline detailed policies or specific projects he intends to pursue if elected.
For now, his message centres on the belief that Surulere deserves more from its representation and that he is prepared to be part of that change.
Another Election, Another Opportunity
Olumide Oworu’s return to politics comes with a different set of circumstances from those surrounding his first attempt.
In 2023, he entered the race as a young actor seeking to secure a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly but found himself at the centre of a controversy that prevented his name from appearing on the final ballot.
Three years later, he is approaching another election with a new party, a federal legislative ambition and a message centred on youth participation and better representation.
His latest declaration also raises questions about what the coming election will hold for him, particularly as he seeks to turn the support he says he received in 2023 into a stronger political movement.
With his campaign now under the APM, Oworu has made it clear that he is not ready to abandon his political aspirations. Whether this second attempt will take him closer to the policymaking table he has spoken about is something the 2027 elections will determine.
For now, the actor appears ready for another chapter, and this time, he hopes the ballot will tell a different story.
