Nollywood Celebrities Rally Behind President Tinubu's 2027 Re-election Campaign
A viral video circulating online has thrust several prominent Nigerian entertainment figures into the political spotlight, as they publicly declare their support for President Bola Tinubu's bid for a second term in the 2027 elections.
Celebrity Endorsement of Economic Policies
The footage, which began gaining widespread attention on Tuesday, February 3, features veteran Nollywood actor Saheed Balogun, acclaimed singer 9ice, and popular social media personality Lege Miami leading a group of All Progressives Congress (APC) enthusiasts in a vocal endorsement of the current administration.
In the video, the celebrities collectively expressed their approval of President Tinubu's leadership approach and specifically highlighted his controversial economic reforms. They praised key policy decisions including the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira, measures which government officials credit with contributing to Nigeria's GDP growth reaching 4.49%.
"We're comfortable with what President Tinubu is doing. We're giving our mandate and re-election approval, and we want him to come again in 2027 to continue this good work and take us to that promised land," the group declared in unison during the recording.
Growing Trend of Celebrity Political Involvement
This public endorsement does not exist in isolation but represents part of a broader pattern of increasing celebrity engagement with political campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections. The development follows recent high-profile appointments within support groups dedicated to the President's re-election drive.
Notably, prominent businessman Obi Cubana and popular actor Bolanle Ninalowo have recently taken on roles within these political support structures, signaling a strategic effort to mobilize entertainment industry figures in support of the administration.
Mixed Public Reactions to Celebrity Political Alignment
The video has sparked diverse reactions across social media platforms, reflecting the complex relationship between Nigerian celebrities and political engagement:
- @ugly_yorubadude commented: "Lol... 12 months after election, they will start granting interviews. Same story everytime."
- @charles_maney expressed concern: "Celebrities who failed to plan their finances properly now have to ride Okada-for-hire to every political convoy just to eat. Very sad trajectory for legends like 9ice and Saheed. May Nigeria not reduce more of our icons to this level."
- @felixwise offered a pragmatic perspective: "Before, I used to get angry whenever I saw videos like this. But now I understand that most people in Nigeria are simply fighting to survive. If you don't join the bandwagon, you may struggle and die broke and the same people you accuse of living in survival mode will contribute to your burial, and life will go on."
Context of Celebrity Political Appointments
The growing involvement of entertainment personalities in political support structures has become increasingly visible. Actor Yul Edochie recently congratulated his colleague Bolanle Ninalowo on his new appointment linked to President Tinubu's administration, welcoming him to the position with supportive comments.
This convergence of celebrity culture and political campaigning reflects the evolving landscape of Nigerian politics as the 2027 elections approach, with both established and emerging entertainment figures becoming more vocal in their political alignments and endorsements.
