Nollywood actress Bimbo Akintola has disclosed that she was compelled to openly declare her support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the last presidential election after becoming frustrated with the wave of online bullying directed at people over their political choices.
Speaking in an interview with Chude, the actress criticised Nigerians for attacking others simply because of differing political preferences. She said the harsh treatment meted out to veteran actress Joke Silva, who had publicly backed Tinubu, played a major role in her decision to speak out.
“I supported President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the last election because Nigerians annoyed me with their bullying,” Akintola stated.
She recalled that after witnessing the intense backlash against Silva, she recorded and released her own video announcing her support for the then APC presidential candidate.
“They bullied Aunty Joke to the point that someone wrote something that was so inhumane. So, I made a video and said, ‘I’m also supporting Tinubu, kill me, let me see if you can change my mind,’” she said.
Akintola called on Nigerians to respect divergent political views and allow people the freedom to make their own choices without harassment.
“Nigerians are annoying. Don’t bully other people. We have our rights to differences of opinion. You don’t like this man, cool, you have the right not to like him. You prefer this person, good for you. But don’t bully others,” she added.