POST ELECTION DRAMA: BANKY W TURNS ELECTORAL HEARTBREAK INTO A NEW CALLING, REFLECTS ON JOURNEY TO PASTORAL MINISTRY

By NaijaParrot 

October 9, 2026 LAGOS, NIGERIA

 — Nigerian singer, filmmaker and entrepreneur Bankole Wellington, popularly known as Banky W, has revealed that his defeat in the 2023 general election became a turning point that eventually led him into pastoral ministry. The entertainer shared his experience while celebrating his first anniversary as a pastor, explaining how the disappointment of losing the election prompted him to reflect on his future and seek God’s direction. Banky W said the electoral defeat left him heartbroken, forcing him to reconsider his ambitions in politics, entertainment, business and ministry.

ELECTION DEFEAT LEFT HIM HEARTBROKEN 

 Banky W contested the 2023 House of Representatives election to represent Eti-Osa Federal Constituency in Lagos State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). However, he lost to Thaddeus Attah of the Labour Party. Reflecting on the experience, the singer said the outcome affected him deeply, even though it also taught him important lessons about life and purpose. He explained that after the election, he turned to God for guidance and began questioning what direction his life should take next. Banky W said he wondered whether he should concentrate on politics and leadership, continue with entertainment and business, or dedicate himself to ministry.

 HOW HE FOUND A NEW DIRECTION 

 According to the entertainer, he eventually realised that he did not have to abandon his existing professional interests to embrace pastoral ministry. He said he came to understand that his different pursuits could exist together rather than compete with one another. Banky W described the development as an expansion of his responsibilities, explaining that his journey into ministry did not mean the end of his work in music, filmmaking or entrepreneurship. His account presents the election defeat as a painful experience that helped him reconsider his priorities and understand his life’s purpose differently.

 BANKY W NOW SERVES AS A PASTOR AND PROFESSOR 

 The singer disclosed that he currently serves as an associate pastor and global ambassador at Union Church in the United States. He also works as a teacher and leader at Union College while continuing his activities in entertainment and business. Banky W acknowledged that travelling between Lagos and the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area to fulfil his various responsibilities could be demanding, but said the experience had been worthwhile. He also reflected humorously on his transition into ministry, recalling that he once joked that the letter “P” in his name, P. Banks, stood for Professor rather than Pastor. 

 ‘GOD’S PLANS FOR MY LIFE ARE BIGGER’ 

 Looking back on the past year, Banky W expressed gratitude for how his life has developed since the election. He said the outcome was not what he had hoped for, but he now believes that the disappointment opened the way for a different chapter in his life. His message focused on faith, personal growth and the possibility of finding a new direction after experiencing setbacks. The entertainer also celebrated his first anniversary in pastoral ministry, marking the milestone with gratitude for the opportunities and responsibilities he has embraced. His experience highlights how a major disappointment can prompt people to reconsider their plans and explore new paths without necessarily giving up their existing careers. 

  NaijaParrot will continue to bring readers updates on developments involving Nigerian entertainers, public figures and their personal journeys. 

  NaijaParrot 

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