Emeka Ike, a Nollywood actor, has declared his intention to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives, saying Nigeria needs functional systems that work for citizens.
Speaking during an interview with journalists, Ike said he would contest under the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the Bwari/AMAC federal constituency seat in Abuja.
Earlier, the actor picked up the party’s House of Representatives nomination form ahead of the NDC primaries.
“I’m running for the federal house of representatives under Bwari AMAC constituency in Abuja,” he said.
“We want to make a federal statement.”
Ike said his decision to join politics was driven by the desire to help rebuild the country and bring governance closer to the people.
“Let’s stand up and take power and rearrange our country,” he said.
“We don’t deserve to be begging.”
The actor also criticised the state of governance in Nigeria and compared it with systems he had seen abroad.
“I travel overseas a lot and when I look around, all I see is structure,” he said.
“I see a systemised, organised system where everything works.”
According to him, many developed countries function effectively because institutions work regardless of who occupies public office.
“You don’t even need to see the president. You don’t even need to know your mayor,” he said.
“Everything has been arranged for the citizens to feel comfortable.”
Ike further urged Nigerians to stop complaining from the sidelines and actively participate in politics.
“Let’s get involved in this game now,” he said.
“Let’s stop shouting from the sidelines and come straight to the front.”
