Zack Orji, other Nollywood stars come under attack after leading Tinubu rally in Abuja
Veteran Nollywood Actor Zack Orji Faces Backlash After Rally for President Tinubu
Nigerian actor Zack Orji has faced significant scrutiny on social media following his participation in a solidarity rally for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja. The event, organized by the Re-elect Tinubu For Inclusive Nigeria (RTIFN) movement, featured several Nollywood celebrities who praised the administration’s infrastructure and security efforts while also calling for an end to kidnappings across the nation.
Orji, who serves as the Deputy Director-General of RTIFN, encouraged Nigerians to support President Tinubu’s reform agenda in light of the upcoming 2027 elections. The rally followed a medical outreach program that provided free consultations and treatments to numerous residents, particularly those from low-income backgrounds.
Concerns about public safety have intensified, with recent reports of abductions in Oyo and Borno states, alongside growing economic difficulties linked to inflation and high living costs.
Despite the rally’s intended message, attention quickly turned to Orji’s physical condition. Videos and photos circulating on social media depicted the actor appearing frail while marching, provoking a variety of reactions. Many users questioned the appropriateness of celebrity endorsements amid widespread economic challenges.
One social media user, @AdenolaOla, remarked, “Nollywood actors declaring Tinubu is fixing Nigeria while millions of Nigerians are eating garri with no sugar and fuel is ₦1,200/litre. Is this ‘fixing’ or paid PR?” Another, @Dammyse, dismissed the rally as “fake support,” suggesting that some entertainers were seeking political gain rather than addressing pressing issues like inflation and kidnapping.
Conversely, some users defended the right of public figures to support political candidates and argued that differences in political views should not lead to personal attacks.
This discourse highlights the divisions surrounding Tinubu’s administration. Supporters point to ongoing infrastructure projects and economic initiatives as progress, while critics argue that many Nigerians continue to feel the burden of rising costs and persistent insecurity.
Orji’s involvement in the rally underscores the influential role of celebrities in Nigeria’s political landscape, where their endorsements can ignite both support and controversy.
