A group of Nollywood actors has unveiled a pro-Tinubu support movement, publicly declaring backing for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the next election cycle. The move was meant to signal loyalty, but it quickly provoked anger.
Netizens reaction was immediate and far from supportive, as many Nigerians took to social media to criticise what they described as poor timing.
With rising food prices and high fuel costs already putting pressure on households, some saw the endorsement as insensitive, while others viewed it as a calculated political move.
What Exactly Is the Support Group?
The movement, known as the Eko 57 Movement, was unveiled in Lagos as a pro-Tinubu platform aimed at mobilising support and reinforcing political continuity. The political support group is reportedly dedicated to the re-election campaign of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election.
While Eko means Lagos, the number “57” in Lagos political contexts often refers to the 57 local government administrative units (20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas) that make up Lagos State.
The group officially launched in Lagos on Sunday, March 15, 2026, and is coordinated by popular Nollywood actor and social media personality Lege Miami.
While the group presents itself as a show of loyalty, its structure suggests something more organised. In Nigeria’s political landscape, support groups like this often emerge long before official campaigns begin, helping to build networks, shape public perception, and keep candidates visible.
The Eko 57 Movement is coming at a time when many Nigerians are dealing with economic pressure. Inflation remains high, and the cost of basic goods continues to rise. Because of this, what many might have normally seen as routine political mobilisation now feels more deliberate.
Who’s Involved
The actors linked to the movement are not fringe figures. They are established names with wide reach.
At the centre is Lege Miami, who is widely reported to be a key force behind the initiative. Known for his outspoken style, he has consistently expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and is now taking on a more active role in mobilising others.
Other actors associated with the group include Yomi Fash-Lanso, a veteran in Yoruba-language films, and Ayo Adesanya, whose career spans decades in the industry. Also linked is Remi Surutu, another respected figure who has publicly defended Tinubu in the past. There have also been mentions of actor Aremu Afolayan in connection with the movement, following their reported attendance at the launch.
The group is the triggering part for many, what stands out is their influence. These are actors with loyal audiences and strong visibility. Their voices travel far beyond film, and that reach is part of what has intensified the public reaction.
Why They Say They’re Doing It
For those involved, their reason is straightforward. They are expressing support for a leader they believe in.
At the unveiling, the message was about the group backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and aligning itself with continuity ahead of the next election cycle.
For some members, that support appears rooted in long-standing relationships, particularly from Tinubu’s time in Lagos politics. For others, it is framed as confidence in his leadership despite current challenges.
For Remi Surutu, that support has been visible, as she has publicly defended the president even in the face of criticism.
For Lege Miami, the role goes further. He is not just endorsing. He is helping to organise the group and expand its reach.
The Backlash: Why Nigerians Are Angry
The backlash did not come out of nowhere. It is rooted in the reality of how many Nigerians are living today.
Across the country, the cost of basic needs has risen sharply over the past few years. Food prices have surged, transport fares have increased, and for many households, income has not kept pace. In some cases, a basket of food items that cost about ₦25,000 in 2020 now exceeds ₦140,000.
That wide gap is where much of the frustration sits. Fuel prices have further reshaped daily life. Following the removal of subsidy, petrol costs jumped significantly, triggering a ripple effect across transportation and the price of goods. For many Nigerians, simply getting from one place to another now consumes a substantial portion of their income.
At the same time, wages have lagged behind inflation. After prolonged labour negotiations, the minimum wage was set at ₦70,000, but this has been widely criticised as inadequate in the face of rising food, electricity, and living costs. In practical terms, many workers earn less than what it takes to sustain a household for a month.
Beyond the economy, security concerns persist. Kidnapping for ransom remains a major issue, with countless families directly or indirectly affected. For some Nigerians, survival is no longer just about making ends meet, it is also about staying safe.
Then there is hunger. Millions are struggling to afford basic meals. Food inflation and disruptions in agricultural production have pushed more households into food insecurity. In many homes, meals have been reduced, diets have changed, and everyday staples have become luxuries.
Electricity supply remains unreliable, forcing households and businesses to depend on generators, which is an expensive alternative in a high-fuel-cost environment.
This is the reality behind the criticism.
So when Nollywood actors publicly take a political stance, the reaction is not merely political, it is deeply personal. For many Nigerians, it feels like a stark disconnect from lived reality.
On social media, the response has been blunt. Some netizens have gone as far as challenging actors to seek public assistance as usual, arguing that the same public is now being asked to support a system that is not working for them.
These reactions show there is a growing trust gap.
Public figures are often seen as relatable voices, and many Nigerians expect them to at least acknowledge shared struggles. When that expectation is not met, the sense of betrayal can be strong.
Netizens have taken to social media to describe the actors’ stance as insensitive or poorly timed, while others question the motivations behind such public alignment.
Still, not everyone agrees with the backlash. Some argue that celebrities have the right to support any political figure without being policed. But even within that defence, the top response remains one of frustration, shaped by economic pressure, insecurity, and a feeling of being unheard.
Ultimately, this is not just about actors or political support. It is about hardship, perception, and about who Nigerians believe truly stands with them in a difficult moment.
Celebrity Politics in Nigeria: A Risky Game
This is not the first time Nigerian celebrities have faced backlash over political choices. In recent years, more entertainers have taken public political positions, often with mixed outcomes.
One widely discussed example is Toyin Abraham, who publicly supported Tinubu during the last election cycle. At the time, she stood by her decision. But the backlash was intense.
She later acknowledged that the backlash affected her career, influencing how audiences perceived her and responded to her work.
In light of this, on March 13, Toyin Abraham warned her younger colleague, Timini Egbuson to stay neutral when it comes to political issues.
Actress Iyabo Ojo also faced scrutiny following her collaboration with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). Iyabo Ojo shared a video highlighting upgrades and professional services at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, expressing pride in the country’s progress. This sparked a backlash from some fans who accused her of hypocrisy or “selling out,” given her previous vocal criticism of the government and her support for an opposition candidate during the 2023 elections.
These cases show that things have changed. Taking a political stance is not just an expression of opinion anymore. It can define how a celebrity is perceived moving forward.
What This Means for Nollywood And the Public
For Nollywood, the implications are significant. The industry obviously relies heavily on audience connection, and that connection influences everything from viewership to brand partnerships. When actors take strong political positions, that connection can become strained. Some fans may feel alienated, while others may disengage entirely. For brands, political controversy can introduce risk, making endorsement decisions more cautious.
Within the industry, differences in political views can also create tension. While some actors choose to remain neutral, others are more outspoken, and that divide can shape relationships behind the scenes.
Beyond Nollywood, the situation reflects a growing gap between public figures and their fans.
For many Nigerians, life has become more challenging, and expectations of public figures are evolving. The truth is, support for political leaders is not new, and it is not inherently wrong. But in moments of economic strain, it carries more weight. It can strengthen loyalty, but it can also create distance.
