Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham has openly acknowledged that her public endorsement of President Bola Tinubu during Nigeria’s 2023 election negatively impacted her film career. Her admission came during a recent conversation where she advised fellow actor Timini Egbuson to avoid political commentary.
In the exchange, Abraham strongly counselled Egbuson against publicly supporting any political candidate. “The first advice I will give you in my entire life is don’t put your mouth in politics. Don’t tell them you’re supporting anybody. Don’t support anybody, just be on your own. Be neutral,” she stated. When Egbuson referenced her own prominent campaign for Tinubu, Abraham dismissed it, saying, “That was then.” She then emphatically added, “Haaaaaaa, it affected me oooo,” conceding the personal and professional repercussions.
This revelation aligns with earlier public struggles. In early 2024, Abraham publicly lamented the poor performance and piracy of her film Ijakumo (Born-Again Stripper). She alleged the movie was being widely shared on WhatsApp without permission and faced backlash from audiences who vowed to boycott her work over her political stance. “You all will tell the world why choosing my own candidate is a crime and yours is not,” she posted amidst criticism from netizens.
According to reports, the boycott directly contributed to the film’s disappointing box office returns and widespread illegal distribution. Abraham’s experience highlights a significant challenge for public figures in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, where political affiliations can directly influence market reception and audience engagement. Her candid regret suggests a growing awareness among Nollywood personalities about the commercial risks of overt political partisanship. The situation underscores how celebrity endorsements in polarized electoral environments may lead to tangible economic consequences within the creative sector.
