From Music to politics: Banky W Hints at Political Comeback After Earning Master’s Degree from Georgetown

In a move that has reignited conversations around the intersection of celebrity and politics in Nigeria, celebrated musician, actor, and former House of Representatives candidate, Olubankole Wellington—widely known as Banky W—has announced his graduation from Georgetown University with a Master’s degree in Policy Management, subtly hinting at a possible return to political life.

The multi-talented entertainer shared the news with fans and well-wishers through a deeply reflective and emotional post that has since gone viral on social media. With the caption, “Faith gives you the courage, resilience and power to redefine endings,” Banky W framed his academic achievement as more than just a personal milestone—it’s a bold new beginning. He emphasized that what may appear to be the end of one chapter is often the start of another, suggesting that the lessons and growth from his recent journey have prepared him for what lies ahead.

Banky W, who previously ran for the House of Representatives under the Modern Democratic Party in 2019 and later contested under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023, used this announcement to express gratitude and share hard-earned wisdom. He acknowledged that the past few years have been “a stretching season” for both himself and his family. Through his statement, he illustrated the emotional and physical toll of balancing academics, fatherhood, and public service. But more than that, he demonstrated how moments of pause can often lead to the most profound transformations.

“I learned that you can't pour from an empty cup,” he wrote. “Sometimes, it is necessary to step off the dance floor and onto the balcony... to reflect on how far you have come, who you are, and who you would like to become.” This metaphor of leaving the dance floor—his euphemism for active public life—and taking time to reflect paints a picture of someone who has not only recharged but is ready to reengage with greater purpose and clarity.

His recent achievement comes from the prestigious McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., one of the world’s top institutions in public administration and governance. While earning the Master’s degree alone would be no small feat, Banky W managed to do so while also serving as a fellow on Capitol Hill and parenting two young children alongside his wife, actress and singer Adesua Etomi-Wellington. Their second child, Hezekiah Oluwadarasimi Wellington, was born during this intense period, making the success even more remarkable.

“This experience was completely exhausting,” he confessed. “But by the grace of God, the strength of faith, and the support of family, friends, and mentors, we did it!” His words, saturated with gratitude and humility, offer a rare look into the personal cost behind his public wins.

Perhaps the most telling part of his announcement was the subtle nod toward a political comeback. “As I prepare to step off the balcony and return to the dance floor,” he wrote, the language not only signals a return to public engagement but evokes the controlled energy of someone who is planning a deliberate and strategic comeback. It aligns with a broader narrative: a man who went to study governance and policy not for accolades but as preparation for meaningful impact.

Though he stopped short of formally announcing any political ambitions, the undertones of his message point strongly in that direction. Banky W’s earlier forays into politics were driven by his passion for good governance and youth empowerment. He once said he was tired of “complaining from the sidelines.” Now, with this new credential in hand and a lived experience that spans entertainment, advocacy, and policy, he seems better equipped than ever to step into leadership with both credibility and competence.

His playful conclusion brought some levity to the otherwise weighty announcement. Giving a heartfelt shoutout to his wife, Susu, he joked that she deserved an honorary degree for enduring the rigors of this chapter with him. “I told her I enjoyed it so much that I am thinking about earning a PhD next,” he quipped, only to be met with her humorous response: “She said she hopes my next wife will support me on that.” It was a light-hearted end to a post filled with depth and determination.

In an era where Nigerian youth are increasingly demanding more from their leaders, Banky W's journey presents a refreshing blend of celebrity influence, academic rigor, and civic ambition. He represents a new kind of public figure—one who refuses to be boxed in by industry stereotypes or limited by public perception. Whether or not he decides to run for office again in the near future, his recent accomplishments signal that he’s a man on a mission.

For fans and political observers alike, Banky W’s transformation from hitmaker to hopeful policymaker is nothing short of inspiring. His story is a testament to the power of reinvention, and a reminder that dreams can evolve—sometimes from a stage mic to a policy paper.

As the country braces for the next wave of elections and leadership shifts, all eyes will be watching to see whether Banky W will trade his graduation robe for a campaign suit. But if his words are anything to go by, one thing is clear: he’s not done dancing yet.