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The crux of the 2023 general elections was the voting exercises, which took place on February 25 and March 18, 2023.
But long before the presidential/National Assembly polls, together with the Gubernatorial/State Assembly elections, political parties and their candidates extensively marketed themselves at campaign rallies, tours and visits.
The election campaign movement is not only driven by politicians, but also by engagement with elites, celebrities, clerics, and influencers.
Looking at the three major contenders
the Obidients, Atikulates, and Jagabans in the last Presidential election and the campaign influence, it is important to understand the power and pitfalls of celebrity endorsement in this context.
In Nigeria, celebrity endorsements are commonly sight during election seasons. From musicians and actors to social media influencers, celebrities are often seen endorsing political candidates and parties to generate votes for their preferred candidates.
Among the A-list entertainers and celebrities who backed candidates for various political offices include Toyin Abraham, Eniola Badmus, Burna Boy, Wizkid, Joke Silva, P-square, Adebowale ‘Mr. Macaroni’ Adedayo, and Olamide.
There was also Zark Orji, Jide Kosoko, and Gentle Jack. About 21 other actors were also listed in the 422-member Presidential Campaign Council of the ruling party.
Paul/Peter Okoye
Paul and Peter Okoye, two well-known Nigerian singers, are among Peter Obi’s fiercest supporters. Since Obi picked the ticket of the Labour party, the pair has been a significant supporter of his campaign.
Their support was also geared to various attacks in the music industry which trailed division among them, such as Suen Kuti and Portable among others.
Meanwhile, Seun veered off and threw subliminal shade at the Okoye brothers to de-marketed their candidate.
Bankole Wellington ‘Banky W’
Bankole Wellington, a.k.a. “BankyW,” a singer and actor, contested under PDP to run in the Lagos Eti-Osa Federal Constituency National Assembly election.
Hence, he was defeated by Labour Party’s Thaddeus Attah.
Aside from using his music platform for his campaign, he was an ardent supporter of Atiku Abubakar, the PDP presidential candidate.
His concerts were used to solicit support for Atiku and himself when Atiku visited his constituency during the campaign
John Ikechukwu Okafor (Mr. Ibu)
John Ikechukwu Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu. The Nollywood actor had primary elections endorsed the former Lagos State governor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He was seen in a video on social media openly drumming support for Tinubu. His campaign message was Mr.Tinubu has impacted people and deserves to be president of the country.
The comic actor was, however, changed his choice barely a few months away from the election to support Peter Obi.
Kanayo O. Kanayo
Veteran Nollywood actor, Kanayo O. Kanayo was among the celebrities who threw their weight behind Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
The Lawyer cum actor declared his support for Obi at all his media encounters alongside his social media pages.
According to Kanayo, Obi embodies qualities worthy of a true leader, adding that the LP presidential candidate is the best man to fix Nigeria.
Dauda Kahutu Rarara
Dauda Kahutu Rarara is a popular Hausa musician. His song, “Jagaba Shine Gaba,” is a powerful tribute to Bola Tinubu which become a hit among APC fans in the North during the campaign.
The singer has been a pain in the neck of the opposition which some observed had an element of abuse toward APC opponents.
In celebrating the success of the governorship candidate of the NNPP, Abba Kabir, during the governorship election in the state, some unidentified hoodlums razed his residence in Kano as a revenge for his actions during the campaign.
Zack Orji
Nollywood actor Zack Orji is a fan of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He demonstrated emphatically his support for the APC’s presidential candidate which he described as both experiential and personal.
He glimpses Tinubu as representing many qualities a great nation needs. He believes he (Tinubu) is the ideal choice for the top job since he has spent a lot of time in Lagos.
He was appointed as director Performing Arts Directorate to oversee the Southeast Zone.
Charles Oputa (Chaly Boy)
The Nigerian entertainer Charles Oputa, also known as Charly Boy was among other artists who disclosed their support for Peter Obi.
He criticized the APC-led government as failed which doesn’t give hope to the common man.
The controversial artist was also found posting a misleading photo purportedly showing Obi on the cover page of the February 2023 edition of TIME magazine which was later reported as false and fabricate by Reuters.
Adebowale Adedayo (Mr. Macaroni)
Popular comedian and actor Adebowale Adedayo, also known as Mr. Macaroni, declared his support for Peter Obi.
His role during EndSars was still fresh in the minds of Nigerians.
He said casting his vote for the former Anambra State governor was his final decision regarding presidential candidates running for office.
Eniola Badmus
The Popular Nollywood actress, Eniola Badmus was one among celebrities who boldly flaunted support for Tinubu.
Barely 2 days after Tinubu was declared winner of the election, she posted on her Instagram page the distribution of ‘asoebi’ for the celebration and swearing-in ceremony of the President-elect.
Kenneth Okonkwo
Nollywood actor, Kenneth Okonkwo, was an ardent supporter of the Tinubu before defected to LP to support his kinsman, Peter Obi
He believes LP will help enthrone good governance and achieve a new Nigeria.
Ebun Oloyede (Olaiya Igwe)
Veteran Nollywood actor and producer Ebun Oloyede, a.k.a. Olaiya Igwe, was seen stripped naked in a viral video to support and pray for Tinubu’s victory.
His action generated mix reactions over the mode he chose to show his support as many users condemned the act and described it as totally wrong, shameful, and uncalled for.
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