Alapini shared his disappointment during an interview on ‘Behind the Fame – African A-List TV,’ a YouTube channel, where he talked about his acting career, health challenges, family issues, and his involvement in the Tinubu campaign. Speaking with evident frustration in Yoruba, Alapini conveyed that the hope they felt during the campaign has turned into disillusionment.
“We campaigned with joy, believing our messiah had arrived, because Tinubu is someone we have loved for many years and who has supported actors,” he noted. Alapini disclosed that he and numerous other veterans spent two months campaigning for Tinubu, expecting that their loyalty and visibility would be acknowledged after his victory.
“That was why we came out to support him for two months. We spent two months campaigning for him,” he stated. When asked what they received in return for their efforts, Alapini sighed, “Maybe they are not in the right frame of mind to think about giving anything in return yet.”
He claimed that despite the significant presence of seasoned actors at campaign events, neither Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, nor the All Progressives Congress acknowledged their contributions. “Could Seyi really say he didn’t see us, the older actors, campaigning? Was he blind to our presence?” he questioned.
On the extent of their support, Alapini clarified, “There were over a hundred of us walking around, both young and old. We campaigned in areas where others couldn’t. I even entered markets when I’m not a madman. They didn’t give us anything, and people cursed us in the comment sections while we campaigned,” referencing the backlash they encountered online.
He cited the example of fellow actor Olaiya Igwe, who famously stripped naked on a beach to pray for Tinubu’s victory. “My friend Olaiya Igwe stripped naked on the beach because of Tinubu. The curses placed on him linger to this day,” Alapini remarked.
Alapini also dismissed rumors that Igwe was rewarded with a car following this incident, stating flatly, “Who gave him one? It certainly wasn’t them.”
When asked if he would consider campaigning again for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, the actor hesitated and appeared disillusioned. “I haven’t thought about it yet. It’s not even about the second-term campaign. Perhaps our only form of support will be curses for anyone who chooses to vote for him,” he said.
Alapini criticized Seyi Tinubu for focusing his philanthropic efforts in Northern Nigeria, suggesting that Yoruba communities have been neglected. “Seyi is now running around the North paying hospital bills. Are there not sick people here in Yorubaland too? How many hospitals has he visited here to pay bills for those in need?” Alapini queried.
