Actress Rita Daniels, mother of Regina Daniels, and Abubakar Yakubu, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) national secretary, are contesting for the presidency of the guild.
Both are seeking to succeed Emeka Rollas, who has led the guild since 2017. He was officially elected in 2019 and re-elected in November 2022 for another three-year term. His tenure ends in December 2025.
On Thursday, Rita’s manifesto was shared on the guild’s official Instagram page.
Part of it read:
“Today, we stand at a defining moment in the life of our guild. A moment that calls not just for experience, but for compassion; not just for leadership, but for vision… At each stage, she has shown a rare kind of leadership – one that is inclusive, accessible, and rooted in service.”
She added that her vision is to build “a guild where every member is protected, valued, and empowered to succeed.”
Yakubu, who has been AGN’s national secretary for six years, declared his intention to contest in February.
In his manifesto, he said:
“I, Abubakar Yakubu, declare my interest to run for the office of National President of our esteemed Guild… My dedication and commitment to our noble guild in particular and the creative industry in general is unwavering. I am determined to work tirelessly to advance the interests of our members.
“I will focus on unionizing our guild, prioritize members’ welfare, advocate for better remunerations and working conditions as well as creating opportunities for growth and development.”
Rita has been in the industry for nearly two decades, featuring in several movies and mentoring young actors.
Yakubu, a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has built a reputation as an actor and producer, with credits in stage plays, television series and films.
Rollas’ eight-year leadership saw the guild launch the AGN Super App, commission a new headquarters in Abuja, hold the Nollywood & African Films Investment Summit and establish the AGN Screen Awards.
The guild has inaugurated the National Electoral Committee ahead of the next national election scheduled for December 6.
