Nollywood star Laide Olabanji used his Instagram platform on Tuesday to plead for a change in Nigeria’s political direction, urging voters to give presidential candidate Peter Obi of the New Democratic Coalition (NDC) a chance to lead the nation. In a caption that accompanied a photo posted to his feed, Olabanji criticised supporters of the incumbent administration for insisting on a return to power despite what he described as ongoing economic hardship across the country.
Olabanji’s post began with a stark reminder of everyday challenges many Nigerians face: “You’ve not had light since and you can’t even afford to buy fuel and yet you want the current government to come back,” he wrote. The actor framed the lack of electricity and soaring fuel prices as evidence that the present government has failed to deliver basic services. By highlighting these hardships, he sought to question the logic of re‑electing the same leadership that, in his view, has not addressed the country’s pressing needs.
The caption went on to argue that a government capable of “destroying” a nation can be replaced by one ready to “rebuild it.” “If a government can destroy it, another government is ready to rebuild it,” Olabanji asserted. He then invoked historical references, comparing the civilian rule of former President Shehu Shagari, whom he claimed “destroyed everything,” with the brief tenure of Major General Ibrahim Babangida’s deputy, General Idiagbon, who, according to Olabanji, “made Nigeria great again within four months.” The actor used these past examples to illustrate his belief that a change in leadership can produce rapid improvement.
Concluding his message, Olabanji turned his focus to the 2023 presidential race, urging Nigerians to back Peter Obi: “Let’s give Peter Obi a chance to make the country great again.” The call was framed as an appeal for hope amid “dark” conditions, positioning Obi as the figure who could steer the country away from the failures of the current administration.
Olabanji’s social‑media outreach reflects a broader trend among Nigerian entertainers who leverage large followings to influence public opinion on political matters. With millions of followers across platforms, such statements can reach a wide audience quickly, especially as the nation approaches a crucial election period.
Nigeria’s economy has been under strain for several years, with frequent power outages, high inflation, and a volatile foreign exchange market affecting the daily lives of ordinary citizens. The incumbent government, led by President Bola Tinubu, has faced criticism for its handling of these issues, and public sentiment has been marked by a mix of fatigue and demand for accountability.
Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State and a businessman with a reputation for fiscal prudence, has campaigned on promises of economic reform, diversification away from oil dependence, and improvements in infrastructure. His platform resonates with voters who are weary of persistent shortages of electricity and rising fuel costs, issues that Olabanji highlighted in his Instagram caption.
While Olabanji’s remarks are personal and reflect his own perspective, they echo a larger narrative circulating among opposition supporters: that the status quo is no longer tenable and that fresh leadership could reverse the country’s downward trajectory. Critics of the incumbent argue that policy continuity has not translated into tangible benefits for the average Nigerian, especially in rural areas where electricity and fuel remain scarce.
Reaction and next steps
The post quickly attracted comments from both supporters and detractors. Some followers applauded Olabanji for speaking out, noting that his status as a public figure adds weight to calls for change. Others challenged his historical references, arguing that comparing past military figures to contemporary democratic elections oversimplifies complex political realities.
No official response from Peter Obi’s campaign team has been recorded as of the time of writing. However, the NDC has traditionally welcomed endorsements from cultural icons, seeing them as a means to broaden its appeal beyond traditional political circles.
As the election draws nearer, political analysts expect that endorsements from celebrities like Laide Olabanji will be part of a broader strategy by opposition candidates to tap into popular sentiment. Voters will continue to weigh economic performance, security concerns, and promises of reform when deciding at the ballot box.
The next major milestone will be the upcoming campaign rallies scheduled across the country, where candidates, including Peter Obi, will outline detailed policy proposals. Observers will watch closely how public figures’ endorsements translate into voter mobilisation and whether they can shift the narrative in favour of a change‑over election.
