Nigerian rapper Skales has ignited a heated online debate after openly stating that he will not participate in the 2027 presidential election, asserting that no candidate has earned his trust. The musician, whose real name is Raoul John Njeng-Njeng, made the declaration on social media, prompting sharp reactions from fans, political commentators, and supporters of various candidates, particularly the Obidient movement backing Peter Obi.
Skales Declares He Has No Preferred Candidate for 2027
The controversy began on Sunday, June 21, 2026, when media personality Rufai Oseni (@ruffydfire) asked his followers on X (formerly Twitter): "Who will you vote for in the next presidential election?" Skales (@youngskales) responded without hesitation: "To be honest none!!!"
This reply quickly drew criticism from a user who accused the singer of being part of Nigeria's problems. Rather than back down, Skales doubled down, firing back: "Why? Because I ain't seen no candidate worth my vote? Convince me about one that really has the interest of Nigeria's future at heart."
2027 Election Landscape: Tinubu, Obi, and Atiku in the Race
The 2027 general elections are shaping up to be a highly contested race. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which produced current President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is expected to field him for re-election. The opposition includes the Labour Party with Peter Obi, who commands a fiercely loyal following known as "Obidients," and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), potentially with Atiku Abubakar as flagbearer. Skales' refusal to express support for any of these candidates, particularly Peter Obi, appears to have struck a nerve with the Obidient movement, whose members are known to be vocal against anyone perceived as sitting on the fence or backing rival parties.
In a subsequent post, Skales elaborated on his stance: "I have seen all the posts targeted at me and I repeat again I do not rep any political party … I live in Nigeria and I am affected by the Mis leadership just like everyone else! I am not in support of the present leadership nor the candidates for election and I will not settle for lesser evil …no matter how you want to spin it in your heads this is my truth at the end of the day. I don’t support any of them. We deserve better."
Social Media Users Excavate Old Tweets, Accuse Skales of Hypocrisy
The reactions were swift, sharp, and in many cases, humorous. Some social media users exhumed old tweets from the singer where he publicly condemned past Nigerian presidents, including Muhammadu Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan, yet remained silent on President Tinubu. This led to accusations of hypocrisy and tribalism.
User @shezzzz_weird dug up old tweets of Skales and clapped back: "Jonathan must go" "Buhari must go" Tinubu — blank. Gettout abeg??" @IsNizy stated: "Na people wey think say you get sense I dey blame. You want people to convince you about who to vote for as a Nigerian in Nigeria?" @raphaelchiemez1 added: "Shut up and support Tinubu with your full chest please. You haven't seen a good candidate if another tribe is on the chair but keeps silent when it's your tribesman."
Skales Faces Ridicule and Calls to Engage Politically
Other reactions ranged from dismissive to outright mocking. @outtahighbee said: "Convince you ke? Why am I just seeing this? gtfoh bro! You lost me at convince you." @Sir_Adeeyy noted: "I should convince you to use your brain in big 2026… Una too funny, walahi? I agree with that guy, nah Lamine Yamal I blame??"
Skales' stance has sparked a broader conversation about voter apathy and the role of celebrities in political discourse. While some applauded his honesty and refusal to settle for "lesser evil," others argued that choosing not to vote is a privilege that ignores the realities of those who suffer under poor governance. The singer, however, remains firm in his position, insisting that Nigerians deserve better leadership and that he will not endorse any candidate until he sees genuine commitment to the country's future.
