2023 Election: New voices replace 2baba, Idris, and 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, preferring instead to concentrate on the release of their newest music or utilize an election year to plan their upcoming films.

With all of this, it is reasonable to assert that the EndSARS countrywide protest in October 2020 changed the political climate of the nation and sparked a new consciousness.

The message is clear: Nigerian celebrities and entertainers have firmly anchored themselves into the debate over who leads the affairs of their nation, 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.

One of the first musicians to show support for Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate, was Peter and Paul Okoye. Even before Peter Obi switched to the Labour party, Peter Okoye urged his supporters to support him.

Charly Boy

Beginning in 2022, Peter Obi received backing from a rebellious singer-songwriter, actor, and activist. In addition to supporting Peter Obi on his social media platforms, Charly Boy organized a sizable gathering in his honor.

The activist advised the youth to oppose the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, which are now in power.

Kenneth Okonkwo

Famous Nollywood actor Kenneth Okonkwo defected from the APC and backed Peter Obi of the LP. He was chosen to serve on the Peter Obi presidential campaign council and later rose to the position of spokesperson for the group. In addition, he spoke on behalf of LP and endorsed Obi on several TV channels.

Kate Henshaw and Chioma Akpotha

In addition to expressing their support for Peter Obi, the two Nollywood actresses emphasized the influence of the Obidient movement on young people’s minds and how it has helped them realize their own power.

The pair encouraged the youth to exercise their right to vote despite being attacked during the governorship race.

Eniola Badmus and Toyin Abraham

Bola Ahmed, the nominee of the governing APC, received the support of Toyin and Eniola. The pair insisted they were not paid to support Tinubu but claimed they got criticism for doing so.

They contend that Tinubu is the ideal leader for Nigeria.

Omoni Oboli and Uche Jumbo

The leading Nollywood actresses backed Obi/Datti wholeheartedly. Omoni also expressed concern about the intimidation of Nigerians last Saturday during the governorship election. She further claimed that the INEC had relocated the voting location in her VGC estate without notifying the electorate.

Jombo had additionally advised Nigerians not to disparage any celebrity for supporting the candidate they felt most strongly about.

Tacha

The former Big Brother Naija housemate was one of the famous people that encouraged young people to obtain their PVC through their platforms.

Tacha had urged Nigerians to do their civic duty while also emphasizing that individuals who decided not to vote while possessing a PVC were contributing to the nation’s issues.

Chimamanda Adichie

A beautiful letter praising Peter Obi was written by award-winning author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie for his 61st birthday in July. She described how the LP presidential candidate is sensible and steadfastly committed to seeing Nigeria overcome its obstacles. Chimamanda is endorsing a presidential contender for the first time ever.

Simi, Falz, and Macaroni

The three singers took an active part in Nigeria’s election campaign. These were some of the most outspoken musicians and activists for better government. Falz represented the young in a security committee to maintain peace in Lagos prior to the governorship election, while Macaroni and Simi urged the youth to obtain their PVC and cast their ballots.