File photo: Surutu and Afolayan
Elegbede Abiodun
Popular Nollywood actors including Kunle Afolayan, Yomi Fash-Lanso, Ayo Adesanya, and Remi Surutu have faced criticism for launching a support group for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.
The support group, called Eko 57 Movement, was inaugurated in Lagos State on Sunday and coordinated by actor Lege Miami.
The declaration triggered widespread backlash on social media, with many Nigerians pointing to the ongoing economic hardship, insecurity, poor electricity supply, corruption, and a struggling healthcare system under the current government.
Netizens expressed frustration, warning celebrities not to solicit public sympathy for themselves while ignoring the nation’s challenges. Some reactions included:
It’s just embarrassing. No light. Fuel price increased. U don’t talk about it. Shame on Y’all.” – X user @fhemiwrld
Another response, “The only movement we need is mandatory realtime transmission of electoral results and nothing else.” – titbeats
“Lege, forgetting the masses because of your own selfish interest when you truthfully know that masses are suffering?” – xozo10000
Critics highlighted that launching a political support group amid rising hardship was insensitive, urging celebrities to focus on societal issues rather than personal or political interests.
The Eko 57 Movement’s launch underscores the growing tension between celebrity activism and public perception in Nigeria’s socio-political climate.
