Rapper and actor Folarin Falana, widely known as Falz the Bahd Guy, has publicly clarified that he has never endorsed any politician or political party, including Labour Party's Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election. Speaking on Arise Television's Prime Time programme on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, Falz corrected widespread assumptions about his political allegiances and urged Nigerian youths to participate more actively in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
Falz Denies Supporting Peter Obi or Any Politician
During the interview, Falz stated unequivocally: "Just a point of correction: I've never, in 2023 or at any point, openly supported any politician or political party. I've only actively encouraged people to go out to vote and let their intentions be known. What I clamour for is a free and fair democratic process."
The Grammy-nominated artist explained that his reluctance to back any candidate is deliberate, not a sign of indifference. He pointed to what he described as a recycling of the same political figures across election cycles as a key reason for his caution. "We've been going in cycles, and it just seems like almost the same crop of people we keep on reshuffling," he said. "And at the end of the day, it's tough to even sit anywhere and vouch for a Nigerian politician in 2026."
Falz added that he remains open to changing his position if the right candidate emerges: "If I see someone that I feel 100% is the one, maybe I would. But as it stands, I'm just trying to be cautious."
Call for Youth Participation in 2027 Elections
Beyond clarifying his political stance, Falz used the platform to urge Nigerians, particularly young people, to turn out in greater numbers for the 2027 general elections. He argued that a significantly higher voter turnout would serve as the most effective safeguard against electoral manipulation.
"A lot more people need to come out. And like I said earlier on, if there is an overwhelming majority, it would be incredibly difficult for them to cheat that," he said.
Falz has long been one of Nigeria's most outspoken celebrity voices on governance and civic responsibility, frequently using his music and public appearances to challenge political leadership and push citizens towards active participation in democracy.
Previous Criticism of Government
Earlier, Falz had reacted strongly to First Lady Remi Tinubu's comment that the government is under too much pressure and youths should help. He argued that elected leaders willingly accepted the responsibilities of governance and should not complain, while also criticising the government's spending on luxury items amid widespread insecurity. Falz further described President Bola Tinubu's "E Mi L'Okan" campaign slogan as absurd, insisting that anyone who campaigned with such confidence should not later lament the burden of leadership.
