Popular Nollywood actress Bukola Adekobe, known to fans as Aminatu Papapa, has expressed deep regret over her support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 general elections. The Yoruba movie star, known for her strong political stance during the campaigns, joins a growing number of celebrities who have publicly voiced disappointment with the current administration.
Speaking in a candid interview on Oyinmomo TV, Aminatu explained that her endorsement of Tinubu was born out of genuine admiration for his achievements as the former governor of Lagos State. She revealed that she had high hopes that his past leadership success would reflect positively on a national scale.
“If they asked me what was the only thing I have ever done in my life that I have regretted, it was during that election time. May our means of survival never fall into hardship. When our current president was the governor of Lagos state, I was already of voting age,” she said.
She added that her father, a man who wasn’t a politician but was highly intuitive about people, also believed Tinubu had done well in Lagos despite challenges during former President Obasanjo’s administration.
“My dad used to force all of us then to go get our voter’s cards and vote… Even my dad used to say he did well despite what he went through during Obasanjo’s regime,” she recalled.
Aminatu admitted that she did not just support Tinubu from a distance she had private meetings with him and was drawn in by the promises he made to those who stood by him.
“That was what prompted me to support him this time around. Whenever we had meetings with him, he also promised to do well. Later, it was after the elections I had a rethink. What I regret is that we were told that they wanted to renew the hope.”
Now, feeling disillusioned by the state of the nation and the unmet expectations, the actress offered a heartfelt apology to her fans, supporters, and even critics.
“I am taking this opportunity to plead with all Nigerians, including those who love me and those who do not like me. No one is old enough to escape experience, I am sorry. Even if you have known someone for a long time, you need to check them carefully before believing their words.”
Aminatu’s emotional confession has sparked mixed reactions online, with some praising her humility and others criticizing the initial judgment that led to her political stance. Nonetheless, her story adds to the growing chorus of voices calling for better governance and accountability in Nigeria.