‘How Online Bullies Pushed Me To Support Tinubu’, Star Actress Bimbo Akintola Reveals

Veteran Nollywood actress Bimbo Akintola has disclosed that her public support for President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 general election was partly a response to online bullying targeted at her and other entertainers.

Speaking on the WithChude podcast, which was shared on Instagram on Saturday, Akintola criticised what she described as widespread cyberbullying during the election period, saying celebrities were often attacked simply for expressing their political preferences.

She referenced an incident involving veteran actress Joke Silva, who she said was subjected to harsh online abuse over her political stance, adding that the episode pushed her to openly declare support for Tinubu.

“Somebody annoyed me. Nigerians annoyed me. Do not bully other people. We have our right to different opinions. You do not like this man, you have a right not to like him. You prefer this person, good for you,” she said.

Akintola explained that she made a video at the time to assert her choice after witnessing the treatment meted out to Silva.

“But then someone bullied Aunty Joke to a point that somebody wrote something that was so deeply offensive. And I made a video saying I will be going for the same person, kill me. Let me see you kill me. Let me see you change my mind with your bullying,” she added.

Calling for tolerance in a democratic society, the actress urged Nigerians to respect differing political views.

“We need to stop it. We need to understand that we can never agree with everybody. That is what makes us great, makes us beautiful. If we were all the same it would be a boring life,” she said.

She maintained that she stood by her decision despite criticisms and disagreements.

“Till tomorrow you might not agree that he was the best person for the job, but at that point, that is who I wanted. And that is who I voted for,” Akintola stated.