Rita Daniels, mother of Nollywood star Regina Daniels, has lost her bid to become President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria after a closely contested election in Benin City. The vote, held during the Guild’s annual general meeting on Saturday, produced Abubakar Yakubu as the new leader of the influential association.
Yakubu, who previously served as the Guild’s National Secretary, secured 116 votes—just three votes ahead of Daniels, who received 113, while three ballots were declared invalid. His victory marks a historic moment, making him the first actor from Northern Nigeria to emerge as AGN president since the Guild was formed in the 1990s.
The election drew significant public attention, partly because of Rita Daniels’ high-profile status as the mother of a Nollywood celebrity and her years of involvement in the Guild’s affairs. Her narrow loss underscores how competitive the race was, with both candidates commanding strong support across industry blocs.
Yakubu succeeds outgoing president Emeka Rollas, whose tenure was marked by advocacy for actor welfare and visible expansion of the Guild’s national footprint. Rollas had stirred controversy weeks earlier when he publicly suggested that Regina Daniels “needs help,” urging Rita Daniels to focus on her daughter rather than her presidential ambition.
Despite that remark, Rita pushed ahead with her campaign, insisting she was committed to strengthening the Guild and reviving key structures. Her supporters say she remains a respected figure within the Nollywood community, even though she narrowly missed the top seat.
Yakubu, on the other hand, is expected to prioritise unity, professional development, and industry-wide reforms as he takes over leadership. His election is being described by supporters as a turning point designed to give fresh energy to the Guild’s national operations.
The results have sparked conversations across the entertainment sector, with many predicting shifts in Nollywood politics and governance as the new AGN executive begins its tenure.
