| Image: Google |
As Nigeria’s 2027 general election cycle slowly begins to take shape, a number of Nollywood personalities and entertainment figures have emerged as early public supporters of President Bola Tinubu, signalling an interesting intersection between the nation’s cultural scene and its political landscape. Among the most prominent voices are actresses and actors such as Remi Surutu and Aremu Afolayan, whose endorsements and comments have sparked both praise and controversy in entertainment circles and beyond.
Surutu’s Outspoken Support and Backlash
Remi Surutu, known for her roles in numerous Nollywood films and television series, has been one of the most vocal entertainment figures supporting the president’s leadership and prospective second‑term bid. Surutu’s position has not been without criticism; her support drew strong reactions online, with some Nigerians questioning the involvement of entertainers in partisan politics.
Despite the backlash, Surutu has remained resolute in her stance, framing her support as a personal conviction born out of her belief in Tinubu’s capacity to lead the country toward stability and progress. Her public declarations have thrust her into political conversations typically dominated by mainstream politicians and activists, highlighting how celebrity voices increasingly influence public discourse.
Afolayan Praises Policy Achievements
Another Nollywood figure whose endorsement has gained attention is Aremu Afolayan, a celebrated actor from a family deeply rooted in Nigerian cinema. Afolayan’s support for Tinubu has been grounded in specific policy achievements rather than broad political loyalty. One of the main reasons he cites for aligning with the president is the lifting of the United Arab Emirates visa ban on Nigerian travellers—an issue that resonated with many Nigerians and drew international attention.
By tying his support to a tangible outcome, Afolayan’s comments offered a blend of cultural influence and civic commentary. His position reflects a strand of public support that sees governance achievements as foundational to continued leadership. However, like Surutu, Afolayan’s stance has also been met with counterarguments from Nigerians who feel that political endorsements by entertainers should be approached cautiously.
Broader Celebrity Engagement and Influencers
While the list of Nollywood stars openly declaring support for President Tinubu specifically for 2027 is still relatively concise, the entertainment industry as a whole has seen other influential figures align with similar political themes or express confidence in current leadership. Not all of these names are from traditional movie acting roles, but they include high‑profile personalities whose voices matter in shaping youth and popular opinion.
For instance, high‑profile social influencer Cubana Chief Priest has thrown his weight behind national leadership initiatives connected to the president’s agenda, mobilising talent and youth audiences in the process. Cubana Chief Priest’s involvement highlights how social media influence and celebrity culture increasingly intersect with Nigeria’s political discourse, especially among younger demographics.
Veteran actress Eniola Badmus, who was active in the previous election cycle, has also not shied away from reaffirming her support for Tinubu’s leadership, reminding fans and followers that her political stance from earlier years remains steadfast. While not every comment she has made is tied directly to the formal 2027 campaign, her consistency in support continues to make an impact among some segments of the entertainment audience.
Fans, Backlash, And The Politics Of Celebrity
The intersection of celebrity and politics in Nigeria is nothing new, but what has become increasingly evident is how quickly social media reacts to celebrity endorsements. While many fans express solidarity with actors like Surutu and Afolayan, others argue that entertainers should prioritise their craft over politics.
Critics often point to the communal, national nature of elections and contend that celebrities—by virtue of their platforms—carry a responsibility to approach political endorsements with caution and clarity. Indeed, past election cycles have shown how celebrity support can sway public opinion but also create polarising debates that extend well beyond political lines.
Supporters of celebrity involvement, on the other hand, argue that artists have the same civic rights as every Nigerian, including the right to express their political preferences. In their view, celebrities often bring issues to light that might otherwise be overlooked and can help mobilise segments of the population—especially youth—toward greater political engagement.
Looking Toward 2027
As Nigeria edges closer to the next election cycle, early endorsements from figures within Nollywood and the broader entertainment sphere are likely to continue evolving. Whether these declarations will have a measurable impact on voter behaviour remains to be seen, but their contribution to the national conversation is already clear.
Remi Surutu and Aremu Afolayan’s public support for Tinubu reflects a growing trend in which celebrities engage with governance issues, not only as commentators but as active participants in political narratives. Their involvement raises important questions about the role of cultural influencers in shaping how Nigerians perceive leadership, legacy, and national direction.
In a country where entertainment and politics often overlap, the voices of Nollywood stars could help define how young and older Nigerians alike interpret the stakes of the 2027 elections—both at the ballot box and in broader civil discourse.
#Tinubu
#RemiSurutu
#NollywoodTimes
Leave a Reply