Nollywood actress Bimbo Akintola has explained her decision to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, saying her choice was influenced by her personal assessment of his leadership record and his contribution to the creative industry.
Akintola, a veteran actress known for her long career in the Nigerian film industry, publicly declared her support for Tinubu during the 2023 election campaign. Her position generated considerable discussion because several other entertainers and public figures were also openly supporting different presidential candidates at the time.
Why Akintola supported Tinubu
Akintola explained that she believed Tinubu had demonstrated an ability to identify, develop and support talented people.
She particularly pointed to his record of supporting people within the creative sector and said this influenced her decision to back him for the presidency. Her earlier public comments on the matter centred on her belief that Tinubu “builds talent” and had helped people within her industry.
For Akintola, the decision was therefore not simply about party affiliation but also about her personal assessment of Tinubu’s relationship with talent development and the opportunities she believed he had created for people.
Her support became controversial
The actress’s decision to openly support Tinubu attracted reactions from Nigerians, with some questioning whether assistance given to individuals or the entertainment industry should determine a person’s choice of presidential candidate.
Others defended her right to make a political choice based on her own experiences and assessment of the candidates.
Akintola, however, maintained her position and explained that her support reflected her personal convictions at the time.
Akintola’s disappointment with Nigerians
In discussing her political experience, Akintola reportedly expressed disappointment with some Nigerians and their reactions to her decision.
The statement that “Nigerians disappointed me” reflects her frustration with the backlash surrounding her political position and the way some people responded to her choice.
Her comments highlight the broader debate that surrounded celebrities who publicly endorsed presidential candidates during the 2023 election, particularly when their reasons for supporting a candidate were connected to personal experiences, relationships or sector-specific achievements.
Focus on talent development
A major element of Akintola’s explanation was her emphasis on talent development.
She argued that Tinubu had demonstrated an ability to recognise talent and assist people who were trying to advance in their careers. Her position was particularly connected to the entertainment industry, where she believed his contribution had benefited people within the sector.
The actress’s explanation therefore provides insight into why some entertainers approached the 2023 election from the perspective of their professional experiences and relationships with political figures.
Political choices remain personal
Akintola’s comments also illustrate the diversity of reasons Nigerian public figures gave for supporting candidates during the 2023 presidential election.
While some based their decisions on economic policies, governance records or political ideology, others considered personal experiences and perceived contributions to their industries.
Akintola’s stated reason was largely connected to her perception of Tinubu’s ability to support and develop talent.
Her comments continue to attract attention because political endorsements by prominent entertainers can influence public conversations, particularly when the personalities involved explain the personal experiences behind their decisions.
For Akintola, her support for Tinubu was a political choice based on what she said she had observed and experienced, while the reactions to that choice reflected the wider political divisions and debates that characterised Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election.