Yoruba actor Oluwole Cole, popularly known as Baraka, has declared his unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu's bid for a second term in 2027, even as he disclosed that he and many other celebrities were not paid for their campaign efforts during the 2023 general election. In a recent interview with African A-List, Baraka stated that politics is deeply rooted in his community and that his loyalty to the President remains intact, despite the unfulfilled financial promises.
Colleagues Express Regret Over Unpaid Campaign Work
Baraka's remarks come after several of his colleagues, including actors Aminatu Papapa, Alapini, and Lalude, publicly expressed regret for supporting President Tinubu ahead of the 2023 election. They alleged that neither the President nor other officials delivered on the promised financial rewards and recognition for their campaign efforts. Premium Times previously reported that these actors felt misled by the empty promises made to celebrities who campaigned for Tinubu.
Reaffirming his support for Tinubu and other Lagos State political contestants, Baraka said: “We were promised money, but all we received were empty promises. Someone brought us together to campaign for Tinubu, but for many of us, nothing came of it. Seyi Tinubu is wise; he settled some people. He is very good at looking after people. As for Tinubu, I know he will pay me one day.”
Baraka's Personal Sacrifice and Unfulfilled Payment
Baraka detailed the financial toll of his campaign involvement, revealing that he and others left their jobs for two months, losing their regular income, yet received nothing in return. “For me, apart from acting, I am also an MC, and I know how much I earn in a month. For example, Olasco invited me to three jobs, and Veekee was also filming Taiwo and Kenny. She called me at first, but when she had other productions, she did not invite me again. In the end, I had nothing to show for the time spent campaigning,” he explained.
He further disclosed that the organizers initially promised each participant ₦300,000 for feeding, plus an additional token of thanks after the campaign. However, after one month of work, the promised ₦300,000 was not forthcoming, and the amount was reduced to ₦150,000. They continued for another month under these terms. Baraka stated that if all promises had been fulfilled, each person should have received well over ₦1 million. Instead, when it was time to go home, they were given only ₦150,000 to share among the entire group.
Unwavering Loyalty Despite Curses
Despite the financial disappointment, Baraka remains steadfast in his political allegiance. He acknowledged that some people cursed them for campaigning for Tinubu, but he dismissed the curses, saying, “The curse will not work on me because, as long as Asiwaju is still there, I will keep supporting him, unless he completes his eight years and says he is not doing it again. 2027 is for Asiwaju.”
Baraka emphasized that his support is rooted in his cultural and political identity as a native of Lagos Island, where politics is a way of life. He declared, “I am from the Island in Lagos, and politics is part of our way of life. I am involved in politics; I will follow Tinubu, Hamzat, and other contestants—I will not leave them.”
Context of Celebrity Campaign Promises
The issue of unpaid campaign promises has sparked debate within the Nigerian entertainment industry, with several celebrities coming forward to share their experiences. Baraka's case highlights the risks celebrities take when engaging in political campaigns, often sacrificing their regular income and professional commitments for promises that may not materialize. While some actors have expressed regret, Baraka's decision to continue supporting Tinubu underscores the complex dynamics of political loyalty and personal expectation.
As the 2027 election approaches, Baraka's stance may influence other celebrities and community leaders who are weighing their political affiliations. His statement that “someone brought us together to campaign for Tinubu, but for many of us, nothing came of it” reflects a broader sentiment of unfulfilled expectations, yet his personal commitment remains unshaken.
