Veteran Actor Alapini Regrets Supporting Tinubu’s 2023 Campaign: We Were Abandoned

Lagos, Nigeria – Renowned Yoruba actor Ganiu Nafiu, popularly known as Alapini, has publicly expressed deep regret over his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 elections, lamenting that he and other entertainers who campaigned for the president have been neglected and forgotten.

In a candid interview on the Behind the Fame programme, Alapini revealed that many Nollywood actors—especially Yoruba veterans—were drawn into the “Renewed Hope” campaign with high expectations, believing Tinubu would uplift their welfare and recognize their sacrifice.

“We campaigned with joy, thinking our messiah had arrived, because Tinubu is someone we have loved for many years,” Alapini said in Yoruba.

He recounted how he and dozens of his colleagues spent two months crisscrossing markets and remote areas, campaigning for Tinubu despite not being politicians.

“Even when we weren’t political figures, we did it at our own cost. But now, nothing—no recognition, not even a thank you,” he said with evident disappointment.

Alapini singled out Seyi Tinubu, the President’s son, criticizing his alleged lack of engagement with those who championed his father’s campaign.

“Would Seyi claim he did not see us, the old folks, during the campaign? Was he blind to our presence?” he asked.

Referencing fellow actor Olaiya Igwe, who went viral for stripping naked on a beach in Tinubu’s honour, Alapini debunked widespread rumours that Igwe had been rewarded with a car, saying he remains unacknowledged and unrewarded like the rest.

On the prospect of backing Tinubu’s 2027 re-election, the veteran actor offered a blistering response:

“I haven’t thought about it. Maybe our only support next time will be curses for anyone who votes for him.”

Alapini further criticized regional bias, questioning why Seyi Tinubu’s philanthropic gestures have seemingly focused on Northern Nigeria while ignoring Yoruba communities, where much of the support for the president originated.

The actor’s comments reflect growing disillusionment among some cultural figures who played visible roles in the 2023 elections but now feel politically sidelined.