Nollywood actress Remi Surutu has publicly endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in the 2027 general election. The declaration was made during the launch of EKO57, a newly formed support group aimed at mobilising public backing for the president’s re-election bid.
Surutu, a longstanding political ally of Tinubu, used the platform in Lagos to address critics of her position. She referenced her loyalty dating back to Tinubu’s tenure as Lagos State governor. The actress recounted facing personal attacks during the 2023 presidential election cycle, stating that detractors attempted to sway her vote by linking her support for Tinubu to the death of her child. She characterised these efforts as intimidation and urged voters to resist such pressure, affirming that she proceeded to cast her ballot as planned.
“He has my vote, and I am standing by him,” Surutu said, pledging to actively campaign for the president. She framed her support around her assessment of Tinubu’s leadership, lauding what she described as his diligent and quiet management of national challenges. Surutu specifically praised the president’s work ethic and the involvement of his family in public service, questioning the depth of engagement from other political families.
In her remarks, Surutu also suggested that some of Nigeria’s ongoing difficulties stem from the attitudes and behaviours of citizens themselves, while maintaining confidence in Tinubu’s capacity to steer the country effectively.
The endorsement by a prominent figure from the entertainment industry underscores the intersection of celebrity influence and political mobilisation in Nigeria. As the political landscape begins to shift towards the 2027 elections, support groups like EKO57 signal early efforts to consolidate grassroots advocacy for the incumbent administration’s continuation. President Tinubu, who took office in May 2023, is constitutionally eligible to seek a second four-year term. Surutu’s comments highlight the personal narratives and direct rhetoric that often accompany high-profile political endorsements in the country.
