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The Nigerian entertainment industry has always had a significant influence on the country’s politics. As the 2023 general elections approach, the interest of entertainers in the political process has continued to grow. From musicians to actors, comedians, and social media influencers, many entertainers are publicly expressing their support for various political parties and candidates.
Earlier, we explored how the election is dividing Nigerian entertainers as it did in 2015. But the forthcoming presidential race might be even more divisive than the former as it is one of the most hotly contested elections yet, with the “Soro Soke” generation now taking the mantle to decide the country’s future. As a result, the endorsement of popular entertainers has become an essential factor in the political campaign.
Here, we look at the candidates and political parties some of Nigeria’s biggest entertainers are supporting and why, examining their reasons for endorsing a particular candidate or party, and how their endorsement might impact the election outcome.
CELEBRITIES SUPPORTING PETER OBI
Celebrities like P Square, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Zubby Michael, Okey Bakassi, Ifeanyi Azodo, Hank Anuku, Fredrick Leonard, Kate Henshaw, Frodd, Frank Edoho, Grace Amah, Iyabo Ojo, Uche Jombo, Nkechi Blessing and Ruggedman have declared their support for the Labour Party Presidential Candidate Peter Obi.
Specifically, the duo consisting of Peter Okoye and Paul Okoye have openly and relentlessly drummed support for Peter Obi, even before his deflection to Labour Party.
As the election draws nearer, Mr P, especially, has been vociferous in his campaign for the Labour Party candidate, turning his Twitter page to a campaign ground of some sort and even being involved in a fracas with his colleague Seun Kuti as they pitched tents against opposing candidates.
While there have been murmurings that P Square’s support is based on ethnicity, considering the two P’s (Peter Obi and Peter Okoye) are from Anambra state, Mr P has insinuated that his support is borne primarily from the need to give Nigeria a better representation – among others.
In separate tweets, he referred to Peter Obi as a good “representative” for Nigeria, a country that has been levied with stereotypes and negative perceptions for years.
“Aside our Music and Entertainment! Our country has a bad image out there! We need a good leader like PO to help correct all this bad image. Reposition Nigeria so that Nigerians outside will have a country they can come with their best brain to contribute positively to build. Vote LP”, he said.
Alexx Ekubo is another celebrity who has endorsed Peter Obi. In a video released on his social media page to call on youths to vote, he also gave his reasons for supporting Obi.
“I have carefully listened to Peter Obi’s seven-point detailed agenda in his plan to unite and secure Nigeria”.
“I strongly stand with Peter Obi as our president, together we will eliminate the challenges we face as a nation and we will be able to collectively build a Nigeria of our dreams”, he concluded.
Veteran Nollywood actors Kanayo O. Kanayo and Kenneth Okonkwo have also declared their support for Labour Party. Kenneth Okonkwo, after resigning from being a member of the national ruling party APC on July 11, 2022, earned an appointment as the campaign committee’s spokesperson for Peter Obi.
While some believe that his defection was based purely on political interests, the actor has time and time again intimated that “you wouldn’t see me being a spokesman” to Obi if he was part of a “structure of criminality”.
Artistes such as African China have also shown support by performing at the OBEDIENT Music Fest held January 21, 2023, at Ojo, Lagos. Likewise, Actress Nkechi Blessing declared that she is “proudly obedient”. She made it known while giving a speech at the movie premiere of “Sename” on October 2, 2022.
On February 9, Peter Obi hosted Nigerian entertainment industry stars and players to beg for their support for his political ambitions. In attendance were P Square, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Zubby Michael, Okey Bakassi, Ifeanyi Azodo, Hank Anuku, Fredrick Leonard and others.
However, the gathering faced a bit of scrutiny from opposition fans as they indicated that the attendees were mostly easterners and the assembly didn’t properly capture the different ethnic groups in the industry.
“Association of Igbos in Lagos”, a social media user accused on Instagram.
Celebrities Supporting Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Celebrities that have pitched their tent with APC’s Bola Ahmed TInubu include singer 9ice, Brymo, comedian Seyi Law, Mr Jollof, thespians Mide Martins, Brymo, Gbenga Adeyinka, Fausat Balogun, Yinka Quadri, Jide Kosoko, Taiwo Hassan, Faithia Williams, Femi Adebayo, Shola Kosoko, Saheed Balogun, Ebun ‘Olaiya Igwe’ Oloyede, Adebayo Salami, Joke Silva, Zack Orji, Lanre Hassan aka Iya Awero, among many others.
It might be striking that many Yoruba movie names are supporting Tinubu; it is however not all that surprising. In November 2022, The Progressive Coalition of Entertainers – a Yoruba faction of Nollywood – met the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, to declare support for the APC in the Presidential election.
According to their frontrunner, actor Saheed Balogun, Tinubu’s track record is the reason for their support.
“We see Tinubu as one who has done a lot to qualify as the next president of Nigeria and we hope to continue to release the presidential candidate’s achievements.
“Asiwaju has done well and it is time to pay back. Every successive government continues to build on his foundation”, Balogun said.
In June 2022, Olaiya Igwe released a video collage that included Adebayo ‘Oga Bello’ Salami, his son Femi Adebayo, veteran Jide Kosoko, Fathia Balogun, Yinka Quadri, Taiwo ‘Ogogo’ Hassan, Fausat Balogun, Foluke Daramola, Yetunde Wunmi, Toyin Adegbola, Soji ‘Ose Omo Banke’ Taiwo and many more.
To them, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken Lagos to a place of modernity and “is a bridge builder across regional, ethnic and religious lines that is capable of uniting the country.”
Olaiya Igwe came under heavy criticism on social media after the video of him unclad while praying fervently for Tinubu’s victory hit the internet.
To justify his actions, he revealed: “The time I was sick, Remi (Tinubu’s wife) called Ajala Jalingo to take me to Ikeja teaching hospital to take care of me and on the third day, she called to ask if I had an American visa. She said if I didn’t, they should quickly arrange it for me. So her husband will now come out for a position and I won’t support?”
Elsewhere, singer Olawale ‘Brymo’ Olofooro became a subject of trend on Twitter after courting controversy with his support for Tinubu and attack on Igbos. Calling the APC Presidential Candidate “City Boy”. Brymo justified his support with Jagaban’s track record in Lagos where he governed from 1997 to 2007, and remarked that the ability to rule shouldn’t be determined by age.
“About having a plan; You live in what town?.. I live in Lagos.. Yeah! City Boy. It is like Lagos moving into Aso rock. It is guaranteed to work!
“Even if looting is rife it’ll still be the best presidency yet. On God”, Brymo added.
Old-time Nigerian singer Abolore ‘9ice’, Adegbola Akande, disclosed he is supporting Bola Ahmed Tinubu as his presidential candidate because the one-time Lagos governor singled him out in a crowd of thousands of people to request his number.
“It’s not easy for a person of such eminence in such a crowded area to pick interest in an artist, let alone collect his phone number,” 9ice said.
Like Brymo, 9ice’s justification also stunned social media with netizens weighing in that many celebrities are basing their votes on their selfish interests.
Celebrities Supporting Atiku
Celebrities like ex-BBNaija star Cross Okonkwo, singer Paul Play Dairo and Banky Wellington as well as actress Funke Akindele have all drummed their support for the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
Paul Play Dairo has perpetually faced a backlash based on his choice of candidate. In on of his retorts, he believes it is called a democracy because people are allowed to make their electoral choices without being crucified for it.
“Democracy is a system of government that stands on principles and choice. Bringing anger and violence only shows how much of it we don’t understand. However, if you have your PVC try and use it and vote because trying to force your choice on others will be nothing but a futile effort. Respect my choice and I will definitely respect yours”, Dairo said in his reply to a user who accused him on Instagram.
While Funke Akindele is in the running for the deputy governor of the PDP, Banky W is in line for the Eti-Osa, Lagos constituency in the Federal House of Representatives of the party. Therefore, no surprise that they have pitched their tents with the presidential candidate of the party.
The efforts of entertainers in rallying people to vote serve as a reminder that every vote counts and that everyone needs to participate in the democratic process. However, biases and sentiments can often influence our decision-making and it is, therefore, important to approach voting with a critical and rational mindset, free from any prejudices or emotions that may cloud our judgement. We all, including entertainers, must prioritise the common good for our sake, for others and the world around us.
The post 2023 Elections: Who Entertainers Are Supporting And Why appeared first on Nigerian Entertainment Today.
Source: TheNet
