Veteran Nollywood actor Zack Orji and other prominent figures in Nigeria’s film industry have faced a wave of criticism on social media after leading a solidarity rally for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja. The event, organized by the Re-elect Tinubu For Inclusive Nigeria (RTIFN) movement under the banner “Relax, Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria,” aimed to showcase support for the administration’s achievements in infrastructure and security, while also calling for an end to kidnappings across the country.
Orji, who serves as Deputy Director-General of the movement, addressed journalists during the rally and urged Nigerians to back Tinubu’s reform agenda ahead of the 2027 elections. The demonstration followed a large medical outreach program that provided free consultations, treatments, and medications to hundreds of low-income residents.
However, attention quickly shifted from the rally’s message to Orji’s physical appearance. Videos and photos circulating online showed the actor walking slowly and looking frail, sparking a torrent of reactions on X (formerly Twitter). Many users questioned why celebrities were publicly endorsing the administration amid widespread economic hardship and rising insecurity.
One user, @AdenolaOla, wrote: “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 commenter, @Dammyse, dismissed the rally as “fake support,” alleging that some entertainers were seeking political relevance rather than addressing issues such as inflation and kidnapping.
@CHILDwitGrace accused celebrities supporting the president of misleading struggling Nigerians, while others suggested the actors were motivated by political interests. Despite the backlash, some users defended the right of public figures to openly support candidates and political causes of their choice, arguing that political affiliation should not be grounds for personal attacks.
The controversy surrounding Orji’s appearance and political activism has highlighted the increasingly prominent role celebrities play in Nigeria’s political landscape. While supporters of Tinubu point to ongoing infrastructure projects, economic reforms, and security interventions as evidence of progress, critics argue that many Nigerians have yet to feel the benefits amid rising living costs and persistent insecurity. The rally and its aftermath underscore the deep divisions that continue to shape public discourse around Tinubu’s administration.