Abubakar Yakubu has won the election to become the new president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), defeating Rita Daniels by a slim margin.
The closely contested election, held on Saturday during the guild’s annual general meeting in Benin City, Edo state, saw Yakubu secure 116 votes to Daniels’ 113, with three votes declared invalid.
Yakubu, the ace actor and seasoned administrator, succeeds Emeka Rollas as president.
The victory marks a historic moment, as Yakubu becomes the first president of the AGN from northern Nigeria since the guild’s official registration in 1998.
Yakubu’s win culminates a long and extensive career within the guild’s leadership. His most recent role was national secretary from 2019 to 2025, capping decades of service that included stints as national vice president, national treasurer, and public relations officer.
A graduate of Dramatic Arts from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, the Kaduna-born administrator brings over 25 years of experience in television, film, and stage productions to the role.
His opponent Rita, who is the mother of popular actress Regina Daniels, had campaigned on a platform of member protection and empowerment.
Her candidacy, however, was not without controversy. It drew a public rebuke from outgoing president Rollas, who suggested she should prioritize family matters.
In other elected positions, Ifeoma Okeke was voted in as the new national secretary.
The previous presidents include Larry Williams, Emma Ogugua, Zack Orji, Ejike Asiegbu, Segun Arinze, and Ibinabo Fiberesima.
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