In one of the most closely contested elections in the Actors Guild of Nigeria’s recent history, veteran actor and administrator Abubakar Yakubu emerged victorious with 116 votes, narrowly defeating Rita Daniels, who secured 113 votes, during the guild’s annual general meeting held in Benin, Edo State.
Yakubu’s victory marks a historic milestone, making him the first Northerner to lead the AGN since the guild’s official registration in 1998. The Kaduna-born actor succeeds Emeka Rollas, whose tenure concludes after serving since 2017.
The razor-thin margin of just three votes, with three ballots declared void, underscored the competitive nature of the race between two seasoned industry figures. Rita Daniels, mother of popular actress Regina Daniels, had campaigned on a platform promising to build “a guild where every member is protected, valued, and empowered to succeed.”
Yakubu brings over 25 years of experience in film, television, and stage production, holding a degree in Dramatic Arts from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. His extensive administrative resume within the guild includes stints as National Vice President (1994-1995), National Treasurer (2000-2001), Public Relations Officer (2009-2011), and most recently as National Secretary from 2019 to 2025.
The election was not without controversy. In the weeks leading up to the vote, outgoing President Emeka Rollas publicly questioned Rita Daniels’ decision to pursue the presidency, urging her to prioritize her daughter’s wellbeing amid reported family challenges. Rollas stated on Instagram: “I say this respectfully, if your daughter’s home and health are in distress, AGN elections should not be your priority”, referencing ongoing controversies surrounding Regina Daniels’ marriage to Senator Ned Nwoko.
Following the announcement of results, filmmaker Stanley Ontop expressed disappointment with the outcome, suggesting that external influences may have affected the election. However, such claims remain unverified.
In related developments, Ifeoma Okeke emerged as the new National Secretary of the guild, succeeding Yakubu in that position.
The new AGN president inherits a guild that has seen significant developments under Rollas’ administration, including the launch of the AGN Super App, the commissioning of a new headquarters in Abuja, and the organization of the Nollywood & African Films Investment Summit.
As Yakubu prepares to assume office, industry watchers will be keen to see how he navigates the challenges facing Nigeria’s film industry while uniting a membership that proved deeply divided in Saturday’s historic vote.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Abubakar Yakubu has made history as the first Northern president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria since its establishment, defeating Rita Daniels (mother of actress Regina Daniels) by a razor-thin margin of just three votes—116 to 113—in Saturday’s election held in Benin City.
The veteran actor and former National Secretary brings over 25 years of industry experience to the role, succeeding Emeka Rollas. The closely contested race underscores deep divisions within Nigeria’s film industry and marks a significant shift in the guild’s leadership after decades of Southern dominance.
