Banky W Marks One Year as US Pastor, Reveals Lesson From 2023 Election Loss
Nigerian singer, filmmaker and entrepreneur Banky W has marked his first anniversary as an associate pastor in the United States, reflecting on how his 2023 election defeat reshaped his understanding of his calling.
The entertainer, whose real name is Olubankole Wellington, announced the milestone in an Instagram post on Thursday, October 8, 2026, expressing gratitude for the opportunities that have opened up since the electoral setback.
Banky W serves as an associate pastor and global ambassador at Union Church, a non-denominational Christian church with campuses across the United States. He also works as a teacher and leader at Union College.
Reflecting on the journey, the singer said losing the 2023 election was a painful experience that forced him to reconsider his future and seek God’s direction concerning his career and ministry.
He explained that he had questioned whether his future lay in politics, church leadership, entertainment or business, believing he might have to choose one path over the others.
However, he said his understanding changed when he realised that his different interests and responsibilities did not have to compete with one another.
According to him, God “wasn’t trying to put me in a box” but was expanding his assignment to accommodate the different areas of his life.
Banky W also recalled a joke he frequently made about his nickname, P.Banks, saying the letter “P” stood for Professor rather than Pastor. He added humorously that God appeared to have responded by asking, “Why not both?”
The singer credited Union Church leaders, Stephen and Zai Chandler, for their influence on his spiritual growth, family and future.
He acknowledged the challenges of travelling between Lagos and the Washington, DC, area to fulfil his responsibilities, but said the arrangement had been worthwhile.
Despite his pastoral responsibilities, Banky W maintained that he had not abandoned his entertainment and business interests. He indicated that more developments were expected in his music, film and business ventures, although he did not disclose specific details.
The anniversary marks another chapter in his career, which has spanned music, filmmaking, entrepreneurship and public service.
Banky W contested the Eti-Osa Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives during the February 2023 general election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Labour Party candidate Thaddeus Attah the winner with 24,075 votes. Banky W polled 18,666 votes, while the All Progressives Congress candidate, Babajide Obanikoro, received 16,901 votes.
Banky W and Obanikoro challenged the result, and the election petition tribunal ordered a supplementary election in 32 polling units in September 2023.
The singer subsequently expressed optimism about the legal process, writing “It is possible” in a social media reaction.
However, the Court of Appeal overturned the tribunal’s decision in November 2023 and affirmed Attah’s victory.
Looking back on the experience, Banky W said the defeat ultimately helped him reconsider his ambitions and recognise that his faith, entertainment career and business interests could exist together.
He ended his anniversary message by thanking God and inviting his followers to celebrate the milestone with him.
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