Nigerians Slam Nollywood Stars Over Launch of ‘Eko 57 Movement’ Supporting Tinubu’s Re-Election

|By Queen Banigo

A growing number of Nigerians have criticised Nollywood actors, including Kunle Afolayan, Yomi Fash-Lanso, Ayo Adesanya, and Remi Surutu, for launching a new support group backing President Bola Tinubu’s re-election amid rising economic hardship across the country.

The group, known as the ‘Eko 57 Movement’, was officially launched on Sunday in Lagos and is coordinated by actor Lege Miami. A video of the launch quickly went viral on social media, sparking sharp criticism from netizens who accused the celebrities of ignoring the current realities facing ordinary Nigerians.

Many social media users highlighted issues such as a failing health system, insecurity, poor electricity supply, corruption, and the high cost of living under the Tinubu-led government. Netizens also warned that celebrities should refrain from publicly soliciting financial support when they face personal challenges.

Comments on the viral video reflected widespread anger. X user @fhemiwrld wrote: “It’s just embarrassing. No light. Fuel price increased. U don’t talk about it. Shame on y’all.”

Other reactions included:

• lordmayorblacksnr: “Make una sha no disturb us if any of una get problem and need the public sympathy. Make that Tinubu mandate come tru for una.”

• titbeats: “The only movement we need is mandatory realtime transmission of electoral results and nothing else.”

• xozo10000: “Lege What are you doing? Forgetting the masses because of your own selfish interest when you truthfully know that masses are suffering?”

• der0ju: “Where is the electricity wey baba promised us before I join eko 57?”

• topesampson: “MANDATE of NATIONAL GRID COLLAPSE.. (DARKNESS)..HUNGER AND INSECURITY!”

The criticism shows that many Nigerians are frustrated with what they perceive as celebrity detachment from the country’s pressing social and economic challenges.