Abubakar Yakubu seals a narrow AGN win, becoming the guild’s first Northern President after defeating Rita Daniels in Benin

Abubakar Yakubu, National Secretary of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, secured a narrow AGN win on Saturday to defeat actress Regina Daniels’ mother, Rita Daniels, in the guild’s keenly contested presidential election held during its annual general meeting in Edo State.

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Yakubu, a veteran actor and accomplished administrator, received 116 votes, edging out Daniels who polled 113 votes.

Three ballots were declared void.

His victory makes him the first Northerner to lead the guild since its formation in the 1990s and formal registration in 1998.

Yakubu succeeds outgoing President Emeka Rollas and brings decades of experience to the role.

He previously served as National Vice President from 1994 to 1995, National Treasurer from 2000 to 2001, Public Relations Officer from 2009 to 2011, and National Secretary from 2019 to 2025.

His long service record was widely cited by supporters as evidence of steady stewardship and organisational mastery.

Ifeoma Okeke emerged as the guild’s new National Secretary following the vote, which delegates described as orderly and competitive.

The AGN, which has grown to over a million registered members across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, has historically elected leaders from the Southern region.

Past presidents include Larry Williams, Emma Ogugua, Zack Orji, Ejike Asiegbu, Segun Arinze, Ibinabo Fiberesima and Rollas.

Yakubu holds a degree in Dramatic Arts from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and has more than 25 years of experience across film, television and stage.

He is known for his roles in “Computer Girls” and “Emotional Pain” in 2003 and “St Mary” in 2014.

The election followed weeks of heightened public interest, partly due to commentary from Rollas, who urged Daniels to focus on her daughter Regina’s wellbeing amid the turbulence surrounding her marriage to Senator Ned Nwoko.

Rollas argued that guild leadership required undivided attention and cautioned against what he described as harmful pressures placed on emerging actors.

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Yakubu is expected to outline his immediate priorities in the coming days, with members calling for stronger welfare structures, improved industry standards and renewed unity across Nigeria’s entertainment landscape.