Ganiu Nafiu, popularly known as Alapini, a veteran Nollywood actor, has expressed deep regret over his decision to campaign for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 general elections. Speaking in a recent interview on "Behind the Fame – African A-List TV," Alapini lamented that he and fellow actors who supported Tinubu have been abandoned since the president assumed office ¹ ².
The Actor's Disappointment
Alapini shared his frustration, stating that he and over a hundred other actors dedicated two months to campaigning for Tinubu, neglecting their work and personal lives in the process. Despite their efforts, they received no compensation or recognition. "We campaigned happily back then, thinking our messiah had come," Alapini said, "but what they gave us is the hardship we are facing now" ¹ ³.
Criticism of Seyi Tinubu's Philanthropy
The actor also criticized Seyi Tinubu, the president's son, for focusing his philanthropic efforts in Northern Nigeria while seemingly neglecting the Southwest. "Would Seyi claim that he didn’t see us, the old actors, when we were campaigning?" Alapini questioned. "Seyi is running around the North paying their hospital bills. Aren’t there sick people in Yorubaland too? How many hospitals has he visited here to pay bills for the sick?" ⁴ ².
Future Support for Tinubu
When asked if he would support Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027, Alapini responded bluntly, "I haven’t thought about it yet. Maybe in this second campaign, the only support we’ll offer will be curses for anyone who votes for him." This statement reflects the actor's deep disappointment and frustration with the current administration ¹ ⁵.
Conclusion
Alapini's regret over campaigning for Tinubu serves as a reflection of the growing dissatisfaction among some Nigerians, including notable figures, with the current administration. His comments have sparked reactions, with some people questioning the motivations behind the actors' support for Tinubu in the first place ⁶.
