Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ronke Oshodi has appealed to Nigerians to refrain from criticising or insulting her if she is seen publicly endorsing or campaigning for a politician.
The actress made the appeal while speaking about the realities entertainers face when they become involved in political campaigns and endorsements. According to her, Nigerians should not automatically assume that supporting a particular politician means she personally agrees with everything the candidate represents.
Ronke Oshodi explained that, like other professionals, entertainers sometimes accept certain opportunities because they need to make a living. She therefore urged members of the public not to “drag” her if she accepts a political endorsement deal.
“If you see me endorsing any politician, just know that I’m hustling for survival. Please don’t drag or insult me.”
Her comments have generated mixed reactions on social media, with Nigerians divided over whether financial survival should be considered a justification for celebrities lending their popularity and influence to political candidates.
Some social media users sympathised with the actress, arguing that entertainers also have financial responsibilities and may accept political jobs as part of their livelihood. Others, however, maintained that celebrities should consider the wider consequences of their endorsements, particularly when the politician they support is accused of poor leadership.
One commenter argued that celebrities should not expect public support when their political endorsements could contribute to the emergence of leaders whose policies may negatively affect the same Nigerians they claim to represent.
Another commenter criticised the “survival” explanation, comparing it to other people who justify controversial decisions because they need money. The user argued that Nigerians may remember celebrities who accept money to endorse politicians perceived as harmful to the country.
A third reaction questioned when “hustling for survival” becomes an excuse for selfishness, pointing to issues such as insecurity, poor healthcare and economic hardship. The commenter argued that an individual’s financial interests should not always come at the expense of the wider public.
However, another social media user acknowledged Ronke Oshodi’s honesty, noting that everyone has bills to pay while also admitting that political endorsements naturally attract public scrutiny.
The controversy has once again highlighted the complicated relationship between entertainment, money and politics in Nigeria, with celebrities often facing intense public criticism whenever they use their platforms to support political candidates.olitical candidates.
https://x.com/i/status/2092182697846493578
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