In a revealing look at the nation's collective curiosity, Google has released its annual list of the most searched personalities in Nigeria for the year 2025. The data paints a vivid picture of a year dominated by high-stakes political drama, glamorous celebrity weddings, record-breaking achievements, and unexpected viral moments.
Political Heavyweights and National Controversies
The 2025 list was heavily influenced by Nigeria's turbulent political landscape. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, emerged as a central figure after making serious allegations of bullying and sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Her steadfast stance and subsequent suspension from the Senate propelled her into the national spotlight, leading to a global media campaign that many saw as a fight against gender-based persecution.
Another major political saga that drove search traffic was the protracted feud between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the FCT Minister. Their battle for control of the state's political machinery reached a critical point when President Bola Tinubu declared a controversial six-month State of Emergency in Rivers State, a move widely interpreted as siding with Wike.
A Year of Celebrity Spectacles and Record Breakers
Beyond politics, 2025 was a year for celebration and achievement in the entertainment world. The search trends were significantly shaped by high-profile weddings. Afrobeats stars Davido and Mr Eazi both tied the knot, with Mr Eazi's lavish, multi-country wedding to fashion icon Temi Otedola generating immense online buzz. Similarly, actress Priscilla Ojo captivated the public with her marriage to Tanzanian musician Juma Juxx, a star-studded event that drew attention to her personal life.
Record-breaking also captured imaginations. Celebrity chef Hilda Baci secured her place on the list by earning a second Guinness World Record, this time for cooking the largest pot of jollof rice. In film, director Kemi Adetiba trended with the release of her gripping series 'To Kill A Monkey'.
Unexpected Names and Public Curiosity
The list also highlighted the unpredictable nature of public interest. Social media activist and commentator VeryDarkMan (VDM) maintained a consistent presence in the news through his advocacy and frequent commentary, with his arrest by the EFCC further amplifying searches. Actress Chika Ike sparked widespread curiosity following viral rumors linking her to billionaire Senator Ned Nwoko as the father of her child.
Perhaps the most unexpected entry was Ajibola Elizabeth, an adult film star who trended massively on social media platform X after reports surfaced of her conversion to born-again Christianity. This single clip generated enough intrigue to push her into the top ten most searched individuals in the country.
The complete Top 10 Most Googled People in Nigeria for 2025 is as follows:
- Natasha Akpoti
- Eberechi Eze
- Siminalayi Fubara
- Chika Ike
- Mr Eazi
- Kemi Adetiba
- Ajibola Elizabeth
- Hilda Baci
- VeryDarkMan (VDM)
- Priscilla Ojo
The diversity of this list underscores the multifaceted interests of the Nigerian online community, moving beyond mere celebrity gossip to encompass serious political discourse, cultural milestones, and spontaneous viral phenomena.
