Entertainment boss cum politician, Banky W, expresses his optimism about the political post he’s competing for in the coming 2023 elections.
Banky W, real name Bankole Wellington, who is contesting for a seat in the House of Representatives to represent the Eti-Osa federal constituency in Lagos State, stipulated that he stands a chance to win other aspirants.
The musician noted that his 2019 experience made him realise that he can have a good run while disclosing that the people of Lagos also want a political change in the state.
Banky W made this known at the Peoples Democratic Party’s Wadata Plaza secretariat in Abuja when he got his expression of interest and nomination forms for N600,000.
He said; “In a David and Goliath situation, I’m more comfortable being David. You know, the stakes are high, the big machine is against us, but I do believe that what we may lack in money we have in meaning. We have a mission. We have a message.
“I think that if Lagosians are truly happy with the way everything is happening, then maybe we don’t stand a chance. But somehow I suspect that that’s not the case and that people are ready for something fresh, something different, something unique, something that speaks to the heart of someone who wants to serve and who wants to see the nation better.
“So I’m content to stand on my own two feet with the support of the PDP and the support of our young people and the support of my community in saying that, because I know that we represent something different.”
Speaking on his 2019 elections, Banky W opined; “You said that 2019 was unsuccessful, and I completely disagree. If you recall in 2019, I didn’t declare for office until three months before election day, which is completely unheard of.
“So for us in 2019, it wasn’t about winning a seat. It was about planting a seed. And I think we successfully did that because what we did was, we came third, and we won in some wards and polling units that were previous strongholds for either of the two big parties.
“But at that time, it was about showing young people that this is something we have to get involved in even though we’re late to the race. We just planted a seed, let’s just stick our toe in the waters,” he explained.
On why he decided to join PDP, he stated; “I believe that with the PDP there’s a genuine intention to give young people a seat at the table? I believe that we have a chance to build a bridge between those who have been in the political terrain for many years and those of us who’ve been protesting from the sidelines.
“I believe that the PDP is welcoming us with open arms and open doors. And so, I’m grateful to the party for the warm reception.”