Bankole Wellington, better known as Banky W, is a Nigerian singer who is running for a seat in the House of Representatives to represent the Eti-Osa federal constituency in Lagos State. Despite the fact that he may be outspent by other candidates, he believes he has a chance to win the seat due to his keen sense of vision.
Banky W claimed that while he did not win the 2019 elections, he was successful in “placing a seed” in the collective awareness of Nigerian youths ahead of the 2023 elections.
Wellington told journalists this when he went to the Peoples Democratic Party’s Wadata Plaza secretariat in Abuja to get his N600,000 declaration of interest and nomination forms.
He claimed that Nigerian youths could no longer afford to whine and should instead join mainstream political platforms that would allow them to participate in the nation’s reconstruction.
“In a David versus Goliath situation, I’m more comfortable being David,” he remarked of his chances in the upcoming elections. The stakes are huge, and the big system is working against us, but I believe that what we lack in cash, we make up for in significance. We’re on a mission. We have a message for you.
“I believe that if Lagosians are actually content with the way things are going, we don’t stand a chance.”
But I have a feeling that this isn’t the case, and that people are looking for something new, different, and unique, something that speaks to the heart of someone who wants to serve and improve the country.
“So I’m content to stand on my own two feet with the PDP’s support, our young people’s support, and my community’s support in expressing that, because I know we represent something different.”
Wellington observed that despite declaring his candidacy barely three months before election day, he was still able to secure the third place in the campaign.
“You stated 2019 was a failure, but I fully disagree. In 2019, you may recall that I didn’t declare for office until three months before the election, which is unheard of.
“So for us in 2019, it wasn’t about gaining a seat,” says one of the 3,132 aspirants who chose the PDP. It had to do with sowing a seed. And I believe we succeeded because we came in third place and won in several wards and polling units that had previously been strongholds for either of the two major parties.
“But at the time, it was about demonstrating young people that even if we’re late to the race, this is something we have to get part in.” He explained, “We just planted a seed, so let’s just dip our toe in the water.”
The candidate further stated that he chose to run on the PDP platform because the party welcomed youths.
“Do you think there’s a genuine aim with the PDP to give young people a seat at the table?” I believe we have a chance to establish a bridge between those who have been involved in politics for a long time and those of us who have been on the sidelines protesting.
“I hope the PDP will welcome us with open arms and doors.” As a result, I’m thankful to the party for the kind welcome,” Banky W said.
