- Seyi Law reportedly lost more than 200,000 social media followers after publicly supporting President Tinubu
- Toyin Abraham, Eniola Badmus and several other celebrities faced intense online criticism for backing Tinubu during the 2023 elections
- Yinka Alaseyori has now joined the list of celebrities who drew the ire of Nigerians for implying that the government was doing its best in the wake of the Oyo abduction tragedy
Remember the 2023 elections? The political gbas gbos was real, and it didn't spare our favourite celebrities. Many took a stand, publicly endorsing President Tinubu, only to find themselves in the eye of a social media storm. From losing hundreds of thousands of followers to enduring relentless trolling, these stars learned that in Naija politics, silence is sometimes golden. In a country grappling with economic hardship and a passionate youth, their choices sparked a firestorm. Let's unpack the drama.
The biggest mistake: Speaking up while the nation mourns
The biggest mistake these 10 celebrities made wasn't just supporting President Tinubu—it was speaking up while the country was mourning. With the recent abduction of 46 pupils and staff in Oyo State, the nation is on edge. In this climate, every word from a public figure is scrutinised, and missteps can lead to a brutal online dragging. The stakes are higher than ever, and the internet has no chill.
The digital price tag: When support costs you followers
Seyi Law knows this pain all too well. The popular comedian revealed he lost over 200,000 social media followers because of his unwavering support for President Tinubu. Imagine waking up to see your digital tribe shrinking, all because of a political choice. It's the ultimate digital heartbreak, proving that in the age of social media, every endorsement comes with a potential price tag. His story is a stark reminder of the power of the online mob.
Asiwaju's baby: Toyin Abraham vs. The internet
Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham earned the nickname 'Asiwaju Baby' for her staunch support. She faced a tsunami of trolls and online bullying, yet she stood her ground. Toyin even claimed she campaigned for President Tinubu without being paid, believing in his vision for the industry. Her story highlights the personal conviction behind some celebrity endorsements, even when the internet is breathing down your neck with cho cho cho.
The aso ebi queen: Eniola Badmus' unwavering loyalty
Eniola Badmus was another celebrity who faced serious criticism, but she remained unbothered. She famously distributed 'aso ebi' (custom cloth) for President Tinubu's swearing-in ceremony, a move that further solidified her stance. Her loyalty was even recognised with a certificate of appreciation for her contribution to the pre-inauguration concert. Eniola's journey shows that some celebrities are ready to ride or die for their political choices, no matter the noise.
Beach praises & backlash: The Olaiya Igwe episode
Veteran actor Olaiya Igwe took his support to a whole new level, literally. He went naked on a beach to sing praises and campaign for President Tinubu, a move that instantly went viral and drew massive backlash. While he later clarified he didn't regret his support, he did apologise for the nudity. His actions sparked a debate: how far is too far when showing political allegiance? The internet had receipts, and they weren't pretty.
The internet never forgets: Zack Orji's video trap
Nollywood legend Zack Orji also found himself in hot water after leading a President Tinubu support rally. The internet, ever the keeper of receipts, quickly dug up an old video where he advocated for the presidency to be zoned to the South-East. This inconsistency led to intense criticism, proving that past statements can always come back to haunt you, especially in the political arena, where every word is scrutinised.
The matriarch's stand: Joke Silva's unpopular opinion
Even respected industry matriarch Joke Silva wasn't spared. Her support for President Tinubu drew criticism from many who felt her stature should have led to a different choice. It highlighted the difficult position many older celebrities found themselves in, balancing personal beliefs with public expectations. Her experience showed that even legends aren't immune to the court of public opinion.
Surulere's own: Desmond Elliot's enduring backlash
As a politician already aligned with the APC, Desmond Elliot faced renewed and intense backlash during the 2023 election cycle. His past comments and continued support for the party made him a frequent target of online criticism. Desmond's case is a reminder that for public figures, political choices can define their public image for years, making them the internet's favourite punching bag.
The veteran campaigner: Saheed Balogun in the crosshairs
Actor Saheed Balogun actively campaigned for President Tinubu and subsequently faced significant backlash, particularly from the 'Obidient' movement. His experience underscores the passionate and often unforgiving nature of Nigerian political discourse, especially when celebrities are involved. The gbas gbos was real, and he was right in the middle of it.
The musician's misstep: Dammy Krane's Instagram ordeal
Musician Dammy Krane learned the hard way that a simple Instagram post can ignite a firestorm. His show of support for President Tinubu after the election announcement led to a wave of criticism from fans. It's a stark reminder that in the digital age, every celebrity action is scrutinised, and political alignment can quickly turn fans into critics, impacting their career.
The gospel singer's gaffe: Yinka Alaseyori and the abduction saga
And then there's Yinka Alaseyori. The gospel singer found herself in the hot seat after comments perceived as spiritualising the recent Oyo abductions. In a nation reeling from the kidnapping of 46 pupils and staff, her remarks were met with fierce backlash, forcing a public apology. Her case is a stark warning: when people are hurting, don't spiritualize government failure. The streets demand accountability, not just prayers.