Actress Regina Daniels’ mother, Rita Daniels, has lost her bid to become the next president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN).
The result came after a tense and closely watched election held on Saturday during the Guild’s annual general meeting in Benin, Edo State.
The election brought together delegates, veteran actors, and key industry figures. Many expected a tight race, and the contest lived up to that expectation.
In the end, AGN National Secretary Abubakar Yakubu emerged as the winner. He secured 116 votes, while Rita Daniels finished with 113. The election committee later announced that three ballots were void due to irregular markings.
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Yakubu’s victory is historic. He becomes the first Northern actor to lead the Guild since its formation in the early 1990s. He will take over from outgoing president Emeka Rollas, who served two terms and remained a central figure in the build-up to the election.
The race drew even more attention in the weeks before the vote. This was partly because of a remark by Emeka Rollas, who said that Regina Daniels “needs help” and urged Rita Daniels to focus on her daughter instead of running for the top office. His comment sparked public debate.
Some saw it as an attempt to influence the election. Others viewed it as a personal attack on Rita and her family.
The statement fuelled conversations on social media and within Nollywood circles, placing the spotlight on the AGN election like never before.
Despite the narrow loss, many observers praised Rita Daniels for running a strong and determined campaign. She spent weeks meeting with members, outlining her plans, and promising reforms.
Her supporters believed she could bring new energy to the Guild. They also argued that her experience as a filmmaker, politician, and industry advocate made her a good fit for the role.
Rita’s decision to contest was also significant because competitive elections within the AGN have not always been common. Many past elections were decided by wide margins or faced little opposition.
This year’s vote, however, showed a Guild eager for active participation and an open contest. Members described the election as one of the most competitive and engaging in recent years.
During the voting process, delegates lined up to cast their ballots under the watch of observers and officials. Security personnel were also present to maintain order.
After counting the votes, the atmosphere in the hall grew tense. Supporters of both candidates waited anxiously for the official announcement.
When the final numbers were read out, the hall broke into mixed reactions. Yakubu’s supporters celebrated, while Rita’s team accepted the outcome with calm and maturity.
In his victory speech, Abubakar Yakubu expressed gratitude to members for trusting him with the leadership of the Guild.
He promised to focus on unity, welfare, and better opportunities for actors across the country. He also said he would work to strengthen the Guild’s structure and protect the interests of members at all levels.
Rita Daniels, on her part, congratulated Yakubu and thanked her supporters for their support. She urged members to remain united and continue working towards the industry’s progress. Her message was seen as a display of sportsmanship and respect for the democratic process.
As the AGN enters a new chapter, many actors hope the new leadership will bring stability and growth. The close contest shows that members care deeply about the Guild’s direction. It also signals a renewed interest in the role the AGN plays in shaping Nollywood’s future.
