“Nigerians annoyed me” — Bimbo Akintola Explains Tinubu support

Nollywood actress Bimbo Akintola has explained that online criticism and attacks over political choices influenced her decision to publicly support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the last presidential election.

Akintola disclosed this during an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, where she spoke about political differences and the treatment of public figures who openly expressed their preferences.

The actress said the backlash directed at veteran actress Joke Silva over her support for Tinubu contributed to her decision to make her own position public.

“I supported President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the last election because Nigerians annoyed me with their bullying,” Akintola said.

She recalled that after seeing the criticism against Silva, she decided to release a video declaring her support for Tinubu despite possible backlash.

“They bullied Aunty Joke to the point that someone wrote something that was so inhumane. So, I made a video and said, ‘I’m also supporting Tinubu, kill me, let me see if you can change my mind,’” she said.

Akintola urged Nigerians to tolerate political differences, saying citizens should have the freedom to support candidates of their choice without facing harassment.

The actress stated that disagreement over political preferences was part of democratic engagement and should not lead to personal attacks.

“Nigerians are annoying. Don’t bully other people. We have our rights to differences of opinion. You don’t like this man, cool, you have the right not to like him. You prefer this person, good for you. But don’t bully others,” she added.

Akintola’s comments come amid continued discussions among Nigerian entertainers over public participation in politics and the reactions that often follow celebrities’ political choices.