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2Baba
Veteran Nigerian singer Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba or 2Face, has said his ambition to venture into politics remains alive.
The music star made the revelation during his appearance on the Mic On podcast with Seun Okinbaloye in a video released on Saturday evening.
When asked if his earlier political ambition was still alive, 2Baba responded in the affirmative, linking his interest to years of civic engagement.
“It’s definitely alive, but for me, I’ve always been, how do I put it, I dey participate for the thing, For over so many years, I spearheaded a campaign called ‘Vote No Fight’, and we saw some results at least we didn’t solve the whole problem, but at least helped to sensitize a whole lot of people and we made them to cooperate and behave themselves during elections and I think we need to amplify it more. We need to really be very, very grassroots engagement; it goes a long way. We still see pockets of violence here and there, but at least it is reduced greatly, and we just hope to keep reducing it like that till, I mean, we get a near-perfect type of situation.”
Pressed further on whether Nigerians should expect “Senator Innocent Edibia” or “Governor Innocent Edibia,” the singer gave a cautious reply.
“I would say let’s keep our fingers crossed on that,” he said.
On where he might contest, whether in Lagos or Benue, 2Baba disclosed that he currently holds a government appointment.
“Okay, right now, last year, My Excellency appointed me as Technical Advisor. It’s something that I really respect, and I gladly accepted to be part of that. For me, it’s to get that space and then try to do something to contribute something to nation-building, to state-building. That is what I’m about right now. I have appointed myself personally as Nigerian Ambassador everywhere. So, in that light, for me, I just want to be able to, even if it’s 1% of change, 1% of contribution to this country, that is where my head is at, that is where my heart is at. So, to answer your question, we’ll fit run am.”
When asked about party affiliation, he clarified that he is not a member of the APC but noted that his partner is active in politics.
“But my woman right now is a politician. Honourable Natasha. She’s doing quite well.”
On how she is faring, he added, “She’s good. So, at least, from now on, we will try to do more. They say nah Small, small drop of water dey make ocean.”
2Baba’s renewed political stance comes years after he first hinted at joining active politics. In April 2018, he told journalists in Lagos that he was set to run for political office, stating that it was time for well-meaning Nigerians to get involved in governance.
At the time, he did not disclose the platform or position he intended to pursue but emphasised the need for patriotic citizens to rise and make a difference.
In April 2025, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia appointed 2Baba as Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach. The appointment was announced at the Government House in Makurdi when the singer paid the governor a sympathy visit over killings in the state.
Governor Alia described him as a worthy ambassador of Benue and expressed confidence in his ability to leverage his global influence for the benefit of the state.
2Baba, who also serves as a Goodwill Ambassador to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, said during that visit that he remained committed to humanitarian efforts and supporting displaced persons through his foundation. (The Guardian)