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2023 Election: Fresh voices phase out 2baba, Idris, other celebrities


 The 2023 general elections witnessed the revival of political activism by celebrities in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Prior to this, only a small number of these famous people or performers saw a need to speak out against poor leadership or political injustices in their nation since they would rather concentrate on creating new music or using an election year to script their upcoming films.

Having said that, one can assert with confidence that the EndSARS countrywide protest in October 2020 changed the political climate of the nation and sparked a new consciousness.

The message is clear: celebrities and artists in Nigeria have cemented themselves into the issue of who leads the affairs of their country, despite being divided along party lines and expressing various political emotions.

While there are new participants in the political conversation, some of the voices that were so vocal in opposition to oppressive and harmful government practices appear to be dwindling. With their music and other mediums, voices like Idris Abdulkareem and Tuface Innocent Idibia, who emulated the famous Fela Anikulapo Kuti, were able to express their thoughts, which were typically on the side of the oppressed masses.

Celebrities, for instance, used a variety of social media channels before the presidential election to encourage youngsters, who make up the majority of the population in Nigeria, to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and to use them responsibly.

It would be accurate to say that those celebrities made a significant contribution to the high voter participation at the presidential and National Assembly elections on February 25, 2023.

There seem to be neo-political voices rising powerfully and fearsomely in the industry as Innocent Idibia, also known as 2baba, Idris Abdukareem, and the other frontline iconic musicians may be gradually becoming weaker in political involvement.

This group of celebrities appears to have a plan and a laser-like concentration on the change they want to see in the nation. The likes of veteran performers Kenneth Okonkwo and Kanayo O. Kanayo are among these talents. While the latter believes that the appropriate leaders should lead Nigeria in the twenty-first century, the former is a spokesperson for one of the political parties. Others, like Yul Edochie, Banky W, Desmond Elliot, and others, are of the opinion that celebrities shouldn't just observe politics; instead, they should participate in it.

During the general elections in 2023, several more Nigerian celebrities spoke out strongly.

Peter and Paul Okoye are among the first musicians who came out to support the Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi. Peter Okoye told his followers to vote for Peter Obi even before he decamped to the Labour party.

Charly Boy

Maverick singer, songwriter, actor, and activist began supporting Peter Obi in 2022. Charlyboy not only promoted Peter Obi on his social media pages but planned a massive rally in support of the presidential candidate.

The activist told the youths to reject the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Peoples Democratic Party PDP.

Kenneth Okonkwo

Veteran Nollywood actor, Kenneth Okonkwo dumped the APC and endorsed the LP candidate, Peter Obi. He was appointed into the Peter Obi presidential campaign council and became one of the committee’s spokespersons. He also represented LP on different TV stations, campaigning for Obi.

Kate Henshaw and Chioma Akpotha

The two Nollywood actresses not only expressed support for Peter Obi, they highlighted the impact of the Obidient movement on the minds of the youths and how it has reminded them of the power they have.

Despite being attacked during the governorship election, the duo still urged the youths to come out and exercise their right.

Toyin Abraham and Eniola Badmus

Toyin and Eniola endorsed the candidate of the ruling APC, Bola Ahmed. The duo said they received negative comments for endorsing Tinubu but maintained that they did not receive money to endorse him.

According to them, Tinubu is the President Nigeria needs.

Omoni Oboli and Uche Jumbo

The Ace Nollywood actresses threw their weight behind Obi/Datti. Omoni also raised alarm that Nigerians were being intimidated during the governorship election last Saturday.

She also accused the INEC of moving the polling unit in her estate in VGC without informing the electorate.

Jombo had also urged Nigerians not to insult any celebrity for supporting whoever they chose to support.

Tacha

The former Big Brother Naija housemate was part of the celebrities who used their platforms to encourage youths to get their PVC.

Tacha had urged Nigerians to exercise their civic right, even as she stressed that those who have chosen to abstain from voting despite having PVC are part of the problems in the country

Chimamanda Adichie

Award-winning writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, penned a lovely note, endorsing Peter Obi during his 61st birthday in July. She narrated how the LP Presidential candidate is prudent and has unwavering passion to see Nigeria rise above its challenges. This is the first time Chimamanda will endorse any presidential candidate in the country.

Macaroni, Falz and Simi

The three entertainers actively participated in Nigeria’s electioneering season. They were among the most vocal musicians cum activists advocating better governance. While Macaroni and Simi encouraged the youth to get their PVC and come out to vote, Falz represented the youth in a security committee to ensure peace in Lagos ahead of the governorship election.


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