Veteran Nollywood actress Bimbo Akintola has revealed a deeply personal and defiant reason behind her public support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the contentious 2023 general elections. In a candid interview, she stated her endorsement was a direct reaction to the aggressive online bullying she and others faced.
A Stand Against Online Harassment
Akintola, known for her forthright views, explained her political stance during a recent appearance on the popular talk show In Conversation With Chude. She stated matter-of-factly that her support was triggered by the hostile behaviour of supporters of a rival candidate.
"I supported President Tinubu because somebody annoyed me with their bullying," the actress declared. She expressed frustration with the toxic political climate, where disagreement often escalates into personal attacks.
She emphasised the fundamental right to hold different opinions in a democracy. "Nigerians are annoying. Don't bully other people. We have our right to differences of opinion," Akintola asserted. "You don't like this man [Tinubu], cool, you have the right not to like him. You prefer this person, good for you. But don't bully others."
Defending Colleagues and Taking a Public Stance
The actress highlighted a specific incident involving veteran actress Joke Silva, who also faced severe online criticism for her political choice. Akintola recalled the inhumane comments directed at Silva, which pushed her to take a public stand.
"They bullied aunty Joke to the point that someone wrote something that was so inhumane," she said. This act of solidarity and defiance led her to make a video explicitly stating her support for Tinubu, challenging the bullies directly.
"So, I made a video and said, 'I'm also supporting Tinubu, kill me, let me see if you can change my mind,'" she recounted, showcasing her determination not to be silenced by online mobs.
A Call for Tolerance in Nigerian Politics
Beyond explaining her personal motivation, Akintola used the platform to issue a broader plea for tolerance and respectful discourse. She argued that diversity of thought is a strength, not a weakness, for the nation.
"We need to stop bullying. We need to agree that we can never agree with everybody," she urged. "That's what makes us great and beautiful. If we are all the same, it would be a boring life."
She firmly defended her personal choice and voting right, regardless of whether others agreed with her candidate's suitability. "Till tomorrow, you might not agree that he was the best person for the job, but at that point, that was who I wanted, that was who I voted for. You can't take my voice away from me; it's mine," she expressed.
This revelation underscores how personal emotion and reaction to social dynamics can significantly influence political allegiance in Nigeria's heated digital age, adding a new layer to the traditional factors of ethnicity, religion, and regionalism.
Background on Bimbo Akintola:
The acclaimed actress was born to a father from Oyo State and a mother from Edo State. Her education included Maryland Convent Private School and Command Day Secondary School in Lagos, followed by a degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Ibadan.
Her acting career began with the film Owo Blow in 1995, featuring alongside Femi Adebayo. She followed this with Out of Bounds in 1997, starring with Richard Mofe Damijo. Her talent was recognised with a nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 2013 Nollywood Movies Awards.
