I Was Bullied Into Supporting Tinubu During Election - Bimbo Akintola

 

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Nollywood actress, Bimbo Akintola, has revealed why she remained resolute in her support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the last general election. 

The screen star, who openly backed Tinubu throughout the campaign, said her decision was strengthened after she was bullied by an opposition supporter who attempted to shame her for her political choice.

Akintola made the disclosure during a recent episode of With Chude, where she spoke about online harassment, intolerance and the growing culture of political bullying in Nigeria. 

According to her, the aggressive attitude of the individual who confronted her over her stance pushed her to double her support for the then–APC presidential candidate.

She stated that her reaction at the time was not only a response to the harassment she received but also a message to those who believe they can intimidate others into silence. 

The actress stressed that she supported Tinubu “to spite” the individual who thought bullying would change her views.

“I supported President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the last election because somebody annoyed me with their bullying,” she said, adding that Nigerians must stop acting as though everyone must think the same politically.

Akintola noted that the growing intolerance in political discussions has become alarming, especially on social media where people are constantly attacked for supporting opposing candidates.

 She insisted that Nigerians must learn to respect one another’s political choices, regardless of personal preferences.

“Nigerians are annoying. Don’t bully other people. We have our rights to differences of opinion. You don’t like this man (Tinubu), cool, you have the right not to like him. You prefer someone else, good for you. But don’t bully others,” she said.

The actress also referenced the online bullying directed at veteran actress, Joke Silva, during the election season. She recalled how some individuals went as far as posting degrading remarks about Silva simply because she stood by her husband’s political alignment.

Akintola explained that the insults towards Silva triggered her to make a video announcing her support for Tinubu. According to her, she wanted to see if those attacking her colleague would also try to silence her.

“They bullied aunty Joke to the point that someone wrote something 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.

She added that Nigerians must accept that differences in opinion are natural and essential in a democratic society. For her, disagreements should never lead to intimidation or attempts to suppress another person’s voice.

“We need to stop bullying. We need to agree that we can never agree with everybody. That’s what makes us great and beautiful. If we are all the same, life would be boring,” she added.

Akintola maintained that while some Nigerians may still disagree with her choice of candidate, her decision at the time was her right, and no one has the authority to take her voice or political freedom away.

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