Popular Yoruba actress Bukky Raji, also known as Aminatu Papapa, has publicly apologised for supporting President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election. She said she regrets campaigning for him, as life has become harder for many Nigerians since he became president.
In a viral interview released on Saturday, Raji said her decision to back Tinubu was a mistake.
“I regret it in my life because he said he wanted to renew hope. I use this moment to beg Nigerians… that’s where I made the mistake,” she said.
Raji explained that her regret is not because people criticised her online, but because of her personal experience with hardship. She said her rice importation business collapsed after the Buhari administration closed southern borders in 2019, while leaving those in the North open. She had hoped Tinubu would reopen the southern borders, but he has not.
She said, “It’s not because people came for me on my page. It’s because I sat down and said, ‘Oh God, I’ve made a mistake.’ What have I done? People are hungry.”
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The actress said she started with 20 bags of rice and grew her business until she was bringing in truckloads. But now, she can no longer trade due to the border closure.
“I thought when Jagaban (Tinubu) gets into office, he would reopen the borders. I’ve taken part in the suffering. It’s the business I’m in. Now, tell me, didn’t I also take part in the suffering? I felt if he gets there, things will be better. But it’s all of us that’s suffering it, including those that campaigned and those that didn’t,” she said.
She added, “Don’t be angry. I’ve offended you. That’s my regret in life.”
Raji’s apology came days after veteran actor Ganiu Nafiu, known as Alapini, also criticised Tinubu and his son, Seyi, for neglecting entertainers who campaigned for them “like mad people.”
Other Nollywood stars like Ronke Oshodi-Oke have also voiced their frustration over the worsening economy. Olaiya Igwe, who once went to a river naked to pray for Tinubu’s victory, has apologised to the public as well. While he still stands by his decision, he admitted he is not happy with the president’s performance.
Many Nigerians continue to express disappointment as inflation and hardship persist under Tinubu’s administration.