Falz Denies Ever Supporting Peter Obi, Says Tinubu Administration Has Not Earned Nigerians' Confidence

Falz Denies Ever Supporting Peter Obi, Says Tinubu Administration Has Not Earned Nigerians' Confidence

Nigerian rapper clarifies his 2023 election stance while criticizing the government's handling of inflation, insecurity, and the rising cost of living.

Falz Denies Supporting Peter Obi, Criticizes Tinubu Government Ahead of 2027

Nigerian rapper Falz says he never endorsed Peter Obi or any political party during the 2023 elections. He also criticizes President Bola Tinubu's administration over inflation, insecurity, and the cost of living. Read the full story.

Falz denies supporting Peter Obi

Falz Denies Supporting Peter Obi, Criticizes Tinubu Administration

Popular Nigerian rapper, actor, and activist Folarin Falana, widely known as Falz, has dismissed claims that he publicly supported Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi during the 2023 general elections.

In a recent interview with ARISE News, the award-winning entertainer clarified that although he actively encouraged Nigerians to participate in the electoral process, he deliberately avoided endorsing any political party or presidential candidate.

Beyond addressing the speculation surrounding his political stance, Falz also delivered a strong assessment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, arguing that many Nigerians are yet to experience meaningful improvements in their daily lives.

His remarks have generated fresh political conversations across Nigeria, especially as discussions about governance and the country's future continue to dominate public discourse.

Falz Sets the Record Straight on Peter Obi

For months after the 2023 presidential election, many Nigerians believed Falz openly backed Peter Obi because of his passionate calls for youth participation, accountability, and transparent elections.

However, the entertainer has now made it clear that those assumptions were incorrect.

According to Falz, his advocacy has always centered on strengthening Nigeria's democratic process rather than promoting any individual politician.

He explained that his message before the elections was simple: Nigerians should exercise their constitutional right to vote and ensure that every vote counts.

He stated:

> "Just a point of correction: I've never, in 2023 or at any point, openly supported any politician or political party.

> I've only actively encouraged people to go out to vote and get their intentions known. What I clamour for is a free and fair democratic process."

The clarification has surprised some Nigerians who previously interpreted his election-related messages as indirect support for Peter Obi.

Why Falz Refuses to Endorse Politicians

Falz revealed that he intentionally distances himself from publicly endorsing politicians because he believes Nigeria's political system continues to recycle the same political elite.

According to him, endorsing a politician means putting one's credibility on the line—a responsibility he is unwilling to take unless he is completely convinced about the individual's competence and integrity.

He said:

> "I've never actually stuck out my neck for any politician for obvious reasons.

> We've been going in cycles, and it just seems like almost the same crop of people we keep reshuffling."

The rapper explained that he remains open to supporting a political leader in the future if someone genuinely demonstrates the vision, honesty, and leadership qualities needed to transform Nigeria.

Until then, he intends to remain politically independent.

Democracy Should Be About the Voters

Falz emphasized that celebrities should encourage civic participation rather than influence electoral outcomes by endorsing candidates without sufficient justification.

Throughout his career, the entertainer has consistently used his platform to encourage young Nigerians to register to vote, participate peacefully in elections, and demand accountability from elected leaders.

His position reflects his long-standing belief that democracy becomes stronger when citizens make informed decisions independently.

Rather than telling Nigerians who to vote for, he believes every citizen should carefully evaluate candidates based on their competence, policies, and track records.

Falz Questions Tinubu Administration's Performance

While clarifying his political neutrality, Falz did not hold back in expressing disappointment with the performance of President Bola Tinubu's government.

According to him, many Nigerians continue to face severe economic hardship despite repeated assurances from government officials that ongoing reforms will eventually improve the economy.

He argued that everyday realities tell a different story.

In his words:

> "I think the current administration has not done enough for Nigerians to be patient with it."

His criticism reflects concerns shared by many citizens who continue to struggle with rising prices and declining purchasing power.

Inflation Continues to Affect Millions

One of Falz's major concerns is Nigeria's rising inflation.

Over the past few years, the prices of food, transportation, rent, healthcare, and essential household items have increased significantly.

Many families have been forced to adjust their spending habits as the cost of living continues to climb.

Falz noted that when ordinary Nigerians discuss their daily experiences, economic hardship dominates the conversation.

He argued that these realities cannot simply be ignored by pointing to future economic projections.

Cost of Living Remains a Major Concern

According to the rapper, many citizens are finding it increasingly difficult to afford necessities.

He listed several challenges affecting Nigerians today, including:

Rising food prices

Higher transportation costs

Expensive electricity

Increased rent

Growing unemployment

Declining purchasing power

These challenges, he said, have made life considerably harder for millions of households across the country.

Insecurity Still Worries Nigerians

Beyond economic issues, Falz also highlighted insecurity as another major concern.

He stated that many Nigerians still fear for their safety due to incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery, communal violence, and other security threats.

According to him:

> "People are suffering. It's insecurity that we're feeling. We're not safe; we can't go outside. That's what we're feeling."

Security remains one of the most debated issues in Nigeria, with citizens frequently calling for stronger measures to protect lives and property.

Government's Promises Under Scrutiny

Falz argued that the Tinubu administration should be evaluated based on the promises it made before assuming office.

He referenced campaign statements suggesting that the government would improve electricity supply and overall living conditions.

According to him, many Nigerians are yet to witness those promised improvements.

He concluded:

> "I think even by their own standards, they've failed."

Although supporters of the administration argue that difficult reforms require time before producing results, critics maintain that citizens deserve quicker improvements considering the level of economic hardship.

Nigerians React to Falz's Comments

Falz's interview quickly generated reactions across social media platforms.

Many users applauded him for clarifying his political position and maintaining his independence.

Others praised him for continuing to speak openly about governance and the challenges facing ordinary Nigerians.

However, supporters of President Tinubu defended the administration, arguing that inherited economic problems cannot be solved overnight.

Some also pointed to ongoing infrastructure projects and policy reforms as evidence that progress is being made.

The differing reactions reflect Nigeria's deeply divided political landscape.

Falz's History of Social Activism

Falz has established himself as one of Nigeria's most outspoken entertainers.

Over the years, he has consistently addressed national issues through interviews, social media, and music.

Some causes he has championed include:

Good governance

Electoral transparency

Police reform

Human rights

Youth empowerment

Anti-corruption campaigns

Judicial accountability

His participation during the #EndSARS protests further strengthened his reputation as an activist willing to speak against injustice.

Because of this background, his comments on politics often attract widespread public attention.

The Role of Celebrities in Nigerian Politics

Falz's clarification also raises an important question about celebrity involvement in politics.

Should entertainers openly endorse political candidates?

Some argue that celebrities have enormous influence and should use their platforms to support leaders they believe can improve society.

Others believe celebrities should remain neutral and instead encourage informed voting without directing supporters toward any particular candidate.

Falz appears to belong to the latter group.

His position suggests that protecting democratic choice is more important than celebrity endorsements.

Looking Ahead to Future Elections

Although Nigeria's next general election is still some time away, political conversations are already beginning to intensify.

Public figures, civil society groups, and political analysts continue to evaluate the performance of elected officials while discussing expectations for future leadership.

Falz's comments are likely to remain part of these conversations, particularly among young voters who have followed his advocacy over the years.

Whether Nigerians agree with his assessment or not, his remarks highlight growing public demand for accountability, improved governance, and measurable progress.

Conclusion

Falz's interview serves two important purposes.

First, it corrects the widespread belief that he publicly supported Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election. According to the rapper, he has never endorsed any politician or political party, choosing instead to advocate for free, fair, and credible elections.

Second, it reflects growing public concern about Nigeria's economic and security challenges under President Bola Tinubu's administration. Falz believes many citizens are still waiting to experience the benefits of government reforms, citing inflation, insecurity, poverty, and the rising cost of living as persistent issues affecting everyday life.

As Nigeria continues to navigate its political and economic journey, voices like Falz's contribute to ongoing conversations about leadership, accountability, and democratic participation.

Ultimately, the future of the country will depend not only on elected leaders but also on active, informed citizens who continue to demand transparency, good governance, and meaningful development.

 (FAQs)

Did Falz support Peter Obi during the 2023 election?

No. Falz has clarified that he never publicly endorsed Peter Obi or any other politician. He says he only encouraged Nigerians to vote.

What did Falz say about President Tinubu?

Falz said the Tinubu administration has not done enough to convince Nigerians to remain patient, citing inflation, insecurity, poverty, and the high cost of living.

Why doesn't Falz endorse politicians?

According to him, he believes Nigeria continues to recycle the same political figures, making it difficult to confidently support any candidate.

What is Falz known for besides music?

Falz is widely recognized for his activism, advocacy for good governance, human rights, police reform, and youth participation in democracy.