Toyin Abraham Opens Up on Career Impact of Political Stance
In a candid revelation, renowned Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham has detailed the personal and professional repercussions she faced after publicly endorsing President Bola Tinubu during the last election. The actress, known for her vibrant roles, shared her experiences in a recent video where she offered advice to fellow actor Timini Egbuson on navigating the entertainment industry.
Advice to Timini Egbuson: Stay Neutral in Politics
Toyin Abraham emphasized the importance of political neutrality for career success, telling Timini, "The first advice I will give you in my entire life is don't put your mouth in politics. Don't tell them you're supporting anybody. Don't support anybody, just be on your own. Be neutral." When reminded of her own vocal support for Tinubu, she responded, "That was then," indicating a shift in her perspective.
She further admitted that her political stance had a tangible effect on her work, exclaiming, "Haaaaaaa, it affected me oooo," highlighting the backlash from netizens who vowed to boycott her movies. Reports from early 2024 indicate that her film Ijakumo (Born-Again Stripper) suffered poor box office results, allegedly due to widespread sharing on WhatsApp, which she linked to her political affiliations.
Backlash and Public Reaction
Toyin lamented the challenges she faced, stating, "You all will tell the world why choosing my own candidate is a crime, and yours is not," reflecting on the criticism from online communities. The actress also faced personal hardships, including losing a pregnancy, which some attributed to her support for the All Progressive Congress-led administration, though she did not explicitly confirm this connection.
In a social media post, she cried out to God for help, writing, "God should come through for me because I needed him more in my present situation," without detailing the specifics. This post sparked mixed reactions from followers, with some taunting her and others offering support.
Timini Egbuson's Response and Online Trends
Sharing the video online, Timini Egbuson wrote, "Me and my partner came to collect orientation from @toyin_abraham World best. This advice shock us o," indicating the impact of her words. The video trended widely, igniting discussions among fans and industry observers.
Reactions from social media users varied:
- __timbim said: "Love and New Notes is the password this weekend o."
- mo_preciousofficial commented: "You have to love this woman."
- adabelcay noted: "Once bitten, twice shy."
- success83899 added: "Take the advice very serious ooo she is talking from experience."
- yetik_mall remarked: "They cancelled her na God help her ooo."
Continued Support and Past Encounters
Despite the backlash, Toyin Abraham has reiterated her support for President Tinubu, sharing an old picture of their meeting and engaging in heated exchanges with critics online. She disclosed that she met with three presidential candidates without accepting any financial incentives, underscoring her genuine political beliefs.
The actress's story serves as a cautionary tale for celebrities in Nigeria, highlighting the potential career risks associated with public political endorsements. As the entertainment industry continues to intersect with politics, her advice to Timini Egbuson resonates as a strategic move for maintaining professional stability.
