Veteran Radio broadcaster and stand-up comedian, Ayo Davies popularly known has Baba Bintin has reflected on his active involvement in politics in the last few years.
Davies, a renowned entertainer, who contested for the councilorship position of Ishagatedo/Ire-Akari Ward in the 2021 Local Government election and also tested the waters when he aimed a shot at the House of Assembly seat of Oshodi-Isolo Constituency 2 in the Lagos State House of Assembly explained that the demanding nature of politics made his break from entertainment unavoidable.
Although, the entertainer cum politician said he has been into politics since 2007, he only decided to engage in partisan politics in 2020 upon his conviction that he has all it takes to make a difference in the political scene and the based on the Lord’s direction.
He, however, described his partisanship as a rollercoaster following his loss in the Local Government election and his party’s defeat in the general elections. He declared that, with politics over, he is fully back into the entertainment industry.
“Though politics and entertainment are the same in terms of how demanding they are, I realised that one can not focus on the two at a time. I took a break from entertainment to have time to focus on politics. I’ve been in the entertainment industry since 2000 and I have also been in politics since 2007.
“I upgraded into partisan politics because I believe I can serve people’s interest more than those we have in power at the moment. I am a selfless person who is passionate about others’ welfare. As an entertainer, I promote upcoming artists without collecting a dime, at times. I have two of my artistes overseas and those that are in Nigeria are stars now.”
Speaking about his experience in politics, Davies said: “To me, politics is not a money-making venture that some take it to be and that is why you won’t see me jumping from one party to the other. Politics is an avenue to serve the people. Now that election is over, it is important we return to our work and that is what I have done.
“God led me into active politics and I believe he knows where he is taking me. Now that the election has come and gone, I must return to the entertainment industry. When I contested for councilor, I knew I won and the said winner still feels disappointed in herself because she did not win. The election was manipulated and she was declared the winner. I was a thorn in their flesh during that time. I know the number of my posters and banners that were torn and destroyed.
“Immediately after the LG elections, I thought it wise to go for Assembly election which I started with consultations with leaders and elders in the constituency. Initially, I got their nods but when the election was getting closer two of my most respected leaders advised me to step down and that I should support whoever emerges from the party’s primary which I did because I am not desperate to serve.
“What I’ve learned in politics is that there’s no trust. Just trust yourself. As I said, politics and entertainment are similar but in politics, there are a lot of lies. God does not encourage lies but funnily, the people don’t like truth.
“In politics, stand on your words. No friend, no enemy. People are only all about your pocket and most time people don’t care about what you have to offer, ” he said.
About his return to the entertainment industry, Davies said: “Now that I’m back in the industry, my fans should expect more from me because I am still the Baba Bintin they used to know. Those who know me can attest to the fact that I know my onions and know the suitable joke for every moment.
“Yes, many people are scared to give me jobs because they believe my price has gone higher. That should not scare them away. They should expect the best from me in terms of entertainment.”
