Yakubu Emerges First Northern President Of Actors Guild

A new chapter has been opened in the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) as veteran actor and seasoned administrator, Alhaji Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu, has been elected the National President of the Guild.

The highly anticipated election, held on Saturday December 6,2025 in Benin City, Edo State, saw Yakubu secure the majority of valid votes, defeating his closest contender, Mrs. Rita Daniels, mother of Nollywood star Regina Daniels,Ned Nwoko’s Ex-wife.
Yakubu polled 116 votes, while Rita Daniels received 113 votes, with three votes declared void.

This victory is historic, as it makes Alhaji Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu fondly known as AbuKing—the first Northerner to lead the Actors Guild of Nigeria since its establishment.

He succeeds Chief Emeka Rollas, MON, whose second-term tenure concluded in line with the AGN Constitution.

The Actors Guild of Nigeria (formerly known as the Nigerian Actors Guild, NAG) has evolved significantly since Nollywood began taking shape in the early ’90s, and was officially registered in 1998. With over one million registered members across the 36 states and the FCT, the Guild remains the unifying body for actors in the Nigerian film industry.

Past Presidents include Larry Williams , Emma Ogugua , Zack Orji , Ejike Asiegbu , Segun Arinze , Ibinabo Fiberesima (the only female President) ,Emeka Rollas MON all from the Southern region.

Before this historic win, Yakubu had served the Guild in multiple capacities National Vice President (1994–1995),National Treasurer (2000–2001),Public Relations Officer (2009–2011),National Secretary (2019–2025).

A graduate of Dramatic Arts from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, with over 25 years of film, television, and stage experience, all eyes are now on AbuKing as he steps into this new leadership role for the next three years.