Nigeria’s entertainment industry has long shaped public opinion, and as the 2027 general elections draw nearer its influence is growing sharper. Musicians, actors, comedians and social-media influencers with millions of followers are once again stepping onto the campaign trail, lending their star power, songs and platforms to preferred candidates.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), 18 candidates are contesting the presidency—16 men and two women. Four figures currently dominate public attention: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), seeking re-election; former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC); former Anambra State governor Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC); and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
Not every artiste welcomes the political spotlight. Some fear being labelled partisan or alienating fans. Others embrace it openly, releasing campaign tracks or appearing at rallies. The practice is not new. During Moshood Abiola’s “Hope ’93” campaign, jingles became powerful mobilisation tools. Today the same tactic is being deployed across geo-political zones.
Tinubu’s entertainment network expands
President Tinubu’s camp has moved early to formalise celebrity support. The Lagos State chapter of the APC recently named 33 prominent entertainers to its Entertainment and Creative Economy Directorate. The list includes veteran actor Jide Kosoko, actresses Eniola Badmus and Bimbo Akintola, and Fuji stars Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, Abass Akande Obesere and Adewale Ayuba. Other members are Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello), Saheed Balogun, Bukky Wright, Fathia Balogun, Yinka Quadri, Tayo Sobola, Malaika, Osupa, Small Doctor and several more.
Fuji legend King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1 / K1 De Ultimate) remains one of Tinubu’s most visible cultural allies. Their relationship stretches back decades; KWAM 1 still addresses the president by the praise name Akanbi. In the 2023 cycle he performed regularly at southern rallies, and the pattern is expected to continue.
Northern artist Dauda Adamu Abdullahi Kahutu, better known as Rarara, has also thrown his weight behind the president. His 2022 track “Jagaba Shi ne Gaba,” the 2025 release “Continuity Tinubu,” and the bilingual “Omo Ologo” have racked up millions of views on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. Rarara previously sang for Muhammadu Buhari and other northern politicians; his current output has made him one of the most prominent northern voices for Tinubu.
Actors such as Eniola Badmus, Seyi Law, Ebun Oloyede (Olaiya Igwe), Foluke Daramola, Fausat Balogun (Madam Saje), Faithia Balogun, Saidi Balogun, Yinka Quadri and Adebayo Salami continue to appear at rallies and post supportive messages.
Makinde courts the street with Taye Currency
In May 2026 Governor Seyi Makinde declared his presidential ambition under the APM and later secured the party’s ticket. At a mega-rally at Mapo Hall in Ibadan that unveiled a PDP-APM alliance and the “Reset Nigeria Movement,” Fuji musician Taiwo Akande Adebisi—popularly known as Taye Currency—was a major draw.
Currency, who also serves as Makinde’s Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism, has released several praise tracks for the governor. His street-slang hit “Were la fi n wo were” went viral in late 2025, and he is scheduled to perform at Makinde’s presidential rallies nationwide. Analysts note, however, that the APM’s national structure remains relatively thin and that Makinde has yet to attract significant northern entertainment endorsements.
Northern voices for Atiku
Atiku Abubakar’s campaign has drawn support from several Hausa-language artists. In February 2026 singer Adamu Saleh released “Atiku Abubakar jirgin talakawa ADC.” Ali Jita’s earlier anthems from the 2023 cycle—“Atiku Ne Zabin Mu” (“Atiku is our choice”) and “Atiku ne Amsa” (“Atiku is the answer”)—are still being played at current events.
UK-based artiste Paul Play, director of entertainment for the Atiku Care Foundation, has also been open about his allegiance, posting photographs with the candidate during a 2023 visit to Britain.
Obi and Kwankwaso court northern rhythms
Peter Obi’s running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, brings a ready-made network of high-energy Kwankwasiyya musicians. Although the newly constituted 59-member Obi-Kwankwaso presidential campaign council omitted an entertainment directorate, the cultural mobilisation continues.
Tijjani Gandu recently dropped the jingle “Obi-Kwankwaso Clear.” Katsina-born artist Mr DapBoy released “Lokaci” (“This is the Time”), a Hausa Afro-fusion track produced by Obidient Movement national coordinator Dr Yunusa Tanko. Other tracks such as “Obi Ne Mafita” (“Obi is the Solution”) have trended widely on TikTok and YouTube.
P-Square twins Peter and Paul Okoye remain among Obi’s most vocal celebrity backers, as they were in 2023. Other past supporters include Nkechi Blessing, Kate Henshaw, Okey Bakassi, Hilda Dokubo, Ime Umoh (Okon Lagos), Uche Jombo, Zubby Michael, Ruggedman and Frank Edoho.
A high-stakes soundtrack
As the campaigns intensify, entertainers are once again converting concert stages into political platforms. Campaign songs blend Fuji, Hausa traditional styles and Afrobeat; social-media posts reach millions overnight. Whether the star power ultimately moves votes remains to be seen, but the entertainment industry has made clear that it intends to be an active player in Nigeria’s next presidential contest.
