Veteran entertainer and social activist, Charly Boy, popularly known as the Area Father, has weighed in on a surprising political shift made by actor and filmmaker Yul Edochie ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a now-viral video shared on X, Yul Edochie stated unequivocally that the next President of Nigeria should come from the South East, a region that has long clamored for its turn at the nation’s highest office.
“The next President of Nigeria should come from the South East. In fairness and equity. That’s just the truth. That’s how it supposed to be,” Edochie said, echoing the sentiments of many who believe the region has been historically sidelined in national politics.
This declaration marks a significant departure from Edochie’s previous political stance. In the lead-up to the 2023 general elections, the actor had publicly supported the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, then the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). That endorsement drew criticism from fans and political observers, many of whom saw it as a betrayal of the popular sentiment in the South East and among supporters of Peter Obi.
Peter Obi, former Anambra State Governor and flagbearer of the Labour Party, emerged as the most prominent South Eastern presidential aspirant in 2023. Despite his massive youth-led campaign and strong grassroots movement, Obi came third behind Tinubu and the PDP’s Atiku Abubakar, according to official results released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Now, with 2027 on the horizon and Obi already expressing renewed interest in running for president, political realignments are beginning to take shape, prompting reactions from public figures like Charly Boy.
Reacting to Yul Edochie’s latest video, Charly Boy posted on X:
“Yul Edochie finally see’s the light.
Thank God you don dey change lane.”
The comment has sparked conversation across social media, with users applauding Edochie’s perceived political awakening while others remain skeptical about the timing and sincerity of his new position.
As Nigeria inches closer to another pivotal election year, debates about zoning, equity, and representation are expected to intensify, particularly concerning the South East’s place in the national equation. Edochie’s endorsement may just be the beginning of broader endorsements from influential figures who once held differing views.
