Reaction from the field
Aremu Afolayan, a prominent Nollywood actor, has faced significant backlash following his comments made at an EKO57 campaign gathering on March 19, 2026. In a surprising turn of events, Afolayan not only apologized for his remarks but also endorsed President Bola Tinubu for re-election in the upcoming 2027 general election. This endorsement has raised eyebrows, especially given the context of his earlier statements regarding the political climate in Nigeria.
During the EKO57 event, Afolayan downplayed the concerns surrounding the rising cost of living, claiming that he was not personally affected. He also described reports of insurgency as exaggerated and scripted, which sparked outrage across social media platforms. Many Nigerians took to the internet to express their discontent, accusing him of being out of touch with the realities faced by ordinary citizens.
In his apology, Afolayan stated, “I’m sorry. The curse has been too much, and I didn’t offend anyone but just went wrong. I picked what I shouldn’t have picked.” His comments about insurgency, which he referred to as scripted, have been particularly contentious, leading to a wave of criticism from various quarters.
Despite the backlash, Afolayan acknowledged the seriousness of insecurity in Nigeria, stating, “My heart is heavy because I’ve hurt a lot of Nigerians. The second narration concerns insecurity, and it’s obvious that insecurity is in town and everywhere in Nigeria, and the government isn’t doing anything about it.” He highlighted the personal impact of insecurity, mentioning that his best friend’s mother had been kidnapped, thus underscoring the gravity of the situation.
In light of the backlash, Afolayan announced his withdrawal from partisan political activities, expressing that he was at his lowest stage due to the negative reactions he received. He stated, “Due to this heat and curse I have received, I’m saying I’m at my lowest stage… I’m withdrawing from everything to do with politics and standing with my people. Please forgive me.” This withdrawal indicates a significant shift in his engagement with the political landscape.
Afolayan’s attendance at the EKO57 event was reportedly not politically motivated but rather based on local governance accessibility. However, his endorsement of Bola Tinubu has complicated his position, leading many to question his sincerity and commitment to addressing the pressing issues facing Nigeria.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the implications of Afolayan’s statements and actions remain to be seen. His apology and endorsement may influence public perception of the upcoming elections, but uncertainties linger regarding the broader impact on his career and public image. Details remain unconfirmed.