Nollywood actress Bimbo Akintola has revealed that online bullying over political differences influenced her decision to publicly support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election.
Akintola made the disclosure during an interview with Chude, where she criticised Nigerians for attacking people over their political choices.
The actress said the backlash faced by veteran actress Joke Silva over her support for Tinubu also influenced her decision to openly declare her support for the then All Progressives Congress presidential candidate.
“I supported President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the last election because Nigerians annoyed me with their bullying,” Akintola said.
She recalled how Silva was allegedly subjected to harsh online attacks, saying the experience prompted her to make a public video declaring her own support for Tinubu.
“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 urged Nigerians to respect differing political opinions and allow people 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.
