A Nigerian TikTok content creator, Tunde Perry, has triggered widespread reactions online after posting a video in which he openly endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while criticising other political figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the video, shared on Saturday, the influencer, whose real name is Akinpelu Babatunde Adigun, praised Tinubu’s long-standing political career, describing it as evidence of experience and resilience. He dismissed opposition figures including Peter Obi and Omoyele Sowore, arguing that Nigerians often fail to fully assess leadership credentials before supporting candidates.
Perry’s remarks, however, were not entirely conventional. In a moment that appeared partly satirical, he suggested he might instead vote for controversial social media activist VeryDarkMan, if he ever decided to run, drawing both laughter and criticism from viewers.
The video quickly gained traction across social media platforms, but the response was largely negative. Many users criticised Perry’s tone and delivery, accusing him of trivialising serious national concerns such as inflation, insecurity, and unemployment. Others questioned what they described as a contradiction in his comments, particularly his suggestion that Nigerians are not serious about change because they continue to attend parties despite economic hardship.
“He talks about suffering, yet mocks people for trying to enjoy small moments of relief,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Another described the video as “out of touch,” pointing to the daily struggles faced by many Nigerians amid rising living costs.
Some critics also accused Perry of displaying ethnic or tribal bias, a sensitive issue in Nigeria’s political landscape. While he did not explicitly reference ethnicity, segments of his commentary were interpreted by viewers as aligning with long-standing regional divides in Nigerian politics.
Political analysts say the backlash reflects a broader tension between online influencers and an increasingly politically conscious youth population. “Social media personalities now play a role in shaping public opinion, but audiences are also more critical than ever,” said a Lagos-based communications expert. “There’s little tolerance for messaging that appears dismissive of real economic pain.”
The controversy comes at a time when conversations around the 2027 elections are gradually gaining momentum, even as the country continues to grapple with economic reforms and security challenges under Tinubu’s administration.
While Perry has not issued a formal response to the backlash, the episode highlights the growing influence, and risk, of political commentary in Nigeria’s digital space. As more public figures weigh in on national issues, the line between satire, opinion, and responsibility continues to blur.