Manny Ita –
Nollywood actor Aremu Afolayan has publicly withdrawn his earlier support for the 2027 reelection bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following a wave of criticism and backlash from members of the public over his initial stance.
The actor, who had previously expressed support for the President’s potential second-term ambition, announced his decision in a statement shared via his social media platforms, acknowledging the intensity of the reactions that trailed his earlier comments. “I have listened to the voices of many Nigerians and I understand the concerns being raised,” he said, adding that his position was not intended to disregard the challenges facing citizens.
Afolayan noted that while he remains entitled to his personal political views, the level of public disapproval prompted him to reconsider his position in light of broader national sentiment. “My support was based on personal conviction at the time, but I cannot ignore the overwhelming feedback from the people. I withdraw my earlier statement in respect of the public mood,” he stated.
The development has since generated widespread reactions across social media, with some users commending the actor for being responsive to public opinion, while others questioned the sincerity of his initial endorsement and subsequent reversal. Political observers say the incident underscores the sensitivity surrounding the 2027 political landscape and the growing influence of public opinion on high-profile endorsements.
Although the Presidency has not officially responded to the actor’s withdrawal, analysts suggest that such developments reflect the broader dynamics of political engagement in Nigeria, where public figures increasingly face scrutiny over their affiliations and statements.
Aremu Afolayan’s reversal adds to the ongoing discourse ahead of the 2027 general elections, as conversations around leadership, governance, and public accountability continue to shape political alignments and perceptions across the country.
