Nigerian actor Aremu Afolayan has extended an apology to the public regarding statements he made during a recent gathering for the EKO57 campaign, a political initiative aimed at rallying support for President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term.
Reports indicate that the campaign, launched on Sunday, included many figures from the Nigerian film industry, notably Yomi Fash-Lanso and Remi Surutu, among others.
While at the event focused on garnering support among Lagos residents for the upcoming 2027 elections, Afolayan endorsed Tinubu’s re-election and downplayed the public's economic struggles by stating that he was unaffected by the rising costs of living.
Additionally, he dismissed concerns about increasing insurgency, labeling such accounts as exaggerated and fabricated. “What you see in the news regarding insurgency, don’t believe it; it's all scripted,” he stated in a video that spread widely online.
These remarks incited a significant backlash across social media, with numerous Nigerians accusing Afolayan of being financially incentivized to promote these views.
In light of this criticism, Afolayan responded in a subsequent video, claiming that his words were taken out of context. He revealed that since the backlash, he has been reflecting on the severe reactions and the misunderstanding that ensued.
In his message, he issued an apology to all Nigerians as well as to his supporters and those yearning for a better nation. Afolayan expressed, “I apologize. The backlash has been overwhelming, and I did not intend to offend anyone. I regret my comments, which were misinterpreted. There’s rampant insecurity in our country, and I acknowledge that the government has not acted effectively.”
He further clarified that his intention was to highlight the struggles related to insecurity and the insufficient governmental response. He recounted that his personal experiences with insecurity hit close to home, particularly citing a situation involving his best friend’s mother who was kidnapped, adding that silence on these issues is unwarranted.
Afolayan also announced his decision to withdraw from political involvement entirely, stating he would refrain from supporting any candidates in the forthcoming elections. He clarified that he attended the event out of admiration for the increasing transparency in governance, rather than political allegiance.
He conveyed his sentiments, saying, “Given the immense criticism and curses I have received, I find myself at my lowest point and beseech the Nigerians who have stood by me throughout my career and businesses for forgiveness. I recognize that many may not support Bola Tinubu or his regime; my aim was to connect with others who share this vision.”
He concluded, stressing the need for accountability at local government levels and confirmed, “I am stepping back from all political associations. Please forgive me.”
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