A viral video featuring Nigerian actress Iyabo Ojo socializing with Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, has ignited widespread debate online, raising questions about shifting political loyalties among celebrities. The clip, shared on Instagram by fellow actress Toyin Abraham, showed the trio interacting amiably during a private gathering, prompting Nigerians to speculate whether Ojo—a vocal supporter of opposition candidate Peter Obi in the 2023 elections—had softened her stance toward the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The meeting is politically charged given the actresses’ contrasting roles in the recent presidential race. Ojo, a prominent figure in the “Obidient” movement backing Labour Party’s Peter Obi, frequently criticized the APC and Tinubu’s candidacy. Abraham, meanwhile, publicly campaigned for Tinubu, creating a visible rift between the two entertainers. Their joint appearance with the president’s son has fueled discussions about reconciliation, pragmatism, or potential defections in Nigeria’s celebrity-political landscape.

Social media reactions reflect a mix of satire, skepticism, and resignation. User @OlabunmiAjai questioned whether Ojo had abandoned the Obidient movement, while @Sexybrown777 humorously remarked in Nigerian Pidgin, “How will Obidients swallow this pill now that their key player is dining with the president’s son?” Others, like @OmoIyaRisi, criticized the perceived hypocrisy: “The same Iyabo who wanted to ‘plunge Lagos into chaos’ over election results is now laughing with the president’s family.” Some netizens framed the interaction as emblematic of Nigeria’s transactional politics. User @1Emma001 speculated, “They’re negotiating money matters,” while @Enjay_L observed, “This is how politics works—views change when you’re closer to power.”

Neither Ojo nor Abraham has directly addressed the speculation. Ojo’s previous advocacy for Obi included accusations of electoral irregularities in Lagos, Tinubu’s political stronghold, making her camaraderie with Seyi Tinubu particularly jarring to supporters. Political analysts note that Nigerian celebrities often face backlash for aligning with opposing factions, as their influence can sway public opinion. The incident underscores broader tensions over the role of public figures in the country’s polarized political environment.

While the video’s context remains unclear, its virality highlights Nigerians’ keen scrutiny of celebrity-political ties. For many, the optics of former rivals socializing reinforce cynicism about alliances shaped more by access than ideology. As debates continue, the episode serves as a reminder of the fluid—and often contentious—intersection of entertainment and governance in Africa’s most populous democracy.