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Popular Nollywood actress and filmmaker Toyin Abraham has revealed that openly supporting a political candidate during Nigeria’s last election affected her career, prompting her to advise fellow actors to remain politically neutral in public.
The actress shared this during a conversation with Nollywood colleague Timini Egbuson, where she discussed strategies for achieving long-term success in the film industry, particularly at the box office.
During the discussion, Abraham cautioned actors against openly declaring support for politicians or political parties, noting that doing so can have unintended consequences for entertainers whose careers depend on public support.
“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,” she said.
Her remarks appeared to reflect lessons she learned from her own experience during the election season, when she publicly backed Bola Tinubu.
When Egbuson reminded her that she had openly campaigned for Tinubu during the election period, the actress responded briefly, saying, “That was then.”
She went on to acknowledge that her political position had a direct impact on her professional life and the reception of some of her projects.
“Haaaaaaa, it affected me oooo,” she said while describing the aftermath of her political stance.
Backlash Following Political Endorsement
Abraham’s comments come months after controversy surrounded the release of her film Ijakumo (Born-Again Stripper) in early 2024.
At the time, the actress raised concerns about piracy, claiming that the movie was being illegally distributed on messaging platforms, including WhatsApp.
She also suggested that the negative reactions to the film were connected to criticism of her political views.
Responding to the backlash then, Abraham expressed frustration over what she perceived as unfair treatment from critics.
“You all will tell the world why choosing my own candidate is a crime and yours is not,” she said while reacting to the criticism online.
Calls for Boycott
The controversy surrounding her political endorsement intensified after some social media users called for a boycott of her film projects.
These reactions emerged shortly after she openly campaigned for Tinubu during the election period, sparking heated debates online about whether entertainers should publicly support political figures.
While some supporters defended her right to express her political choice, others argued that celebrities should remain neutral to avoid alienating sections of their audience.
A Lesson for Fellow Actors
Reflecting on the experience, Abraham now appears to encourage a more cautious approach among entertainers navigating public life.
Her advice to Egbuson suggests that staying neutral may help actors maintain broader support among fans with diverse political opinions.
As an actress whose career spans acting, producing and directing, Abraham has remained one of the most visible figures in Nollywood in recent years. Her projects often attract large audiences both in cinemas and online.
However, her latest remarks highlight the challenges public figures may face when personal political views intersect with their professional careers.
For Abraham, the experience seems to have shaped her perspective on how actors should manage their public image, especially during politically sensitive periods.
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