In a never seen fashion, celebrities are clashing with fans and fellow celebrities over the 2023 presidential election, their choice of candidates and the malpractices making waves online. Just ahead of the election, Nigerians saw the likes of Seun Kuti and Mr P go at each other on the gram. Just before that, the likes of Brymo, Joke Silva, and Eniola Badmus got roasted for throwing their weight behind a candidate that wasn’t the people’s choice. Since the days of Lord Luggard and later social media influence, celebrities are hardly ever shy about voicing their political preferences.
It’s no news that celebrities’ opinions during the general elections carry a lot of influence; hence, many politicians invest in celebrities’ stomach infrastructure to get their endorsement. But this year was a different ball game, with many celebrities refusing to be bribed and only throwing their weight behind candidates they genuinely believe in. As anticipated, February 25, 2023, marked one of the biggest days in the history of Nigeria as citizens and residents of the most populous black nation decided who their next president would be. Shockingly what started as a free and fair election turned into a nightmare in hours because electorates refused to be bribed with money. With Labour Party candidate Peter Obi taking the lead ahead of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar, some unscrupulous elements began rigging without impunity and using thugs to threaten those exercising their franchise.
As citizens go after each other over the election outcome, so are celebrities. Industry friends, colleagues, and even entertainment power couples drag each other left, right and centre. Who are these celebrities, and what’s the bone of contention? #nigeriaelection2023 #nigeriaelection #Tinubu #PeterObi
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