Nigerian Celebrities Facing Backlash for Supporting Tinubu’s Government

In the turbulent first year of President Tinubu’s administration, Nigeria has been grappling with unprecedented challenges. Skyrocketing inflation, unbearable food costs, a stagnant minimum wage, and soaring utility bills have left many citizens struggling to make ends meet. 

As insecurity grows, citizens are feeling the weight of a government they believe has let them down. In this climate, several well-known Nigerian celebrities are facing fierce backlash for their support of President Tinubu. 

These several well-known Nigerian celebrities are now facing fierce backlash for their support of President Tinubu. Their endorsements, once seen as powerful, are now attracting criticism from frustrated Nigerians who feel their choices have brought the country in jeopardy.

Here are some of the entertainers who are receiving backlash continually.

Eniola Badmus

Eniola Badmus faced serious criticism for supporting Bola Tinubu during the 2023 election. Despite the backlash, Badmus remained steadfast, often calling Tinubu her father and after his victory, she celebrated publicly, which only intensified the criticism.

One year into Tinubu’s government, Badmus has been accused of being out of touch with the struggles of ordinary Nigerians facing high inflation, food costs, and insecurity. Her recent Instagram post celebrating Tinubu’s first year in office sparked further outrage. 

One user commented, “Honestly, I don’t blame you as the current market price of food items is not your business… you shall definitely get your reward one way or another.”

Her appointment as Special Assistant for Social Events and Public Hearings to Speaker Tajudeen Abbas has only added fuel to the fire, with many viewing her praise for Tinubu as tone-deaf and insensitive.

Seyi Law

Comedian and actor Lawrence Oluwaseyitan Aletile, known as Seyi Law, has faced harsh condemnation for his public support of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Through a social media post, Seyi Law called on Nigerians to stand behind Tinubu, likening his leadership to the biblical Moses leading his people through challenges to a better future. 

He stated, “I would rather journey with Moses through the wilderness to Canaan than indulge in temporary pleasures in Egypt at the expense of my children’s future.”

One critic, Malcolm Omirhobo, mocked, “Why do you want to spend 40 years with Moses in the wilderness on foot when you can make the journey by air in 1 hr, 45 mins? I pity you and the future of your children.”

Another follower, Ayemojuba, pointed out Seyi Law’s hypocrisy, noting his UK residence while supporting Tinubu’s policies.

A disappointed fan added, “Seyi Law knows government agendas but left to run to the UK. No matter how wicked a person is, he should have a limit.”

Toyin Abraham

Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham has faced significant backlash on social media for her support of President Bola Tinubu. Speaking with media personality Daddy Freeze, Abraham clarified that she never campaigned or asked anyone to vote but merely expressed her views. 

“I didn’t campaign and I didn’t ask anyone to vote… Maybe I should have done what others did and not said anything,” she stated.

Abraham declined to comment on Tinubu’s one year in office, emphasizing she wasn’t a politician. “I don’t want to talk about politics. I am not a politician,” she said.

This backlash comes as Nigerians hold her accountable for her public support of Tinubu during the elections, amid rising fuel costs, a weakened economy, and a soaring dollar rate. On June 4, 2024, after facing harsh criticism online, she broke down, saying, “Enough is enough

Obi Cubana, Cubana Chief Priest, Zack Orji, Yul Edochie

These Nigerian entertainers also faced backlash for openly supporting the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its then-presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, during the 2023 election campaign.

With Nigerians’ current hardships, netizens are now blaming these celebrities for expressing their political affiliations. Nollywood actors and celebrities like Zack Orji, Yul Edochie, Obi Cubana, and others have faced severe backlash. Social media users accuse them of greed and allege they accepted money from Tinubu and the APC. The criticism has been intense, with many Nigerians feeling betrayed by those they once admired, attributing part of their suffering to the stars’ political endorsements.