Nigerian singer and filmmaker Banky W has reflected on how his 2023 election defeat reshaped his outlook on life as he marks one year as an associate pastor in the United States.
The entertainer, whose real name is Olubankole Wellington, disclosed this in an Instagram post on Thursday, celebrating his role at Union Church and his work as a teacher and leader at Union College.
Banky W said losing the 2023 House of Representatives election was heartbreaking but helped him reconsider his future and understand that his interests in ministry, entertainment and business could coexist.
He explained that he had previously wondered whether God wanted him to focus on leadership or ministry, music or business, but later realised he did not have to choose between them.
According to him, God was not trying to limit him to one path but expand his assignment.
Joking about his new role, the singer recalled that he once said the “P” in his nickname, P.Banks, stood for Professor rather than Pastor, adding that God appeared to ask, “Why not both?”
Banky W also expressed gratitude to Union Church leaders Stephen and Zai Chandler for their influence on his faith, family and future. He acknowledged the demands of travelling between Lagos and the Washington, DC area but said the experience had been worthwhile.
Despite his ministry commitments, he stressed that he remains active in music, filmmaking and entrepreneurship, hinting at upcoming projects without providing details.
Banky W contested the Eti-Osa Federal Constituency seat in 2023 under the Peoples Democratic Party but lost to Labour Party candidate Thaddeus Attah, who was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
He and the All Progressives Congress candidate, Babajide Obanikoro, challenged the result. Although an election tribunal ordered a supplementary poll in 32 polling units in September 2023, the Court of Appeal overturned the decision in November and affirmed Attah’s victory.
Marking his first anniversary in ministry, Banky W thanked God for the journey and invited his followers to celebrate the milestone with him.
