In a recent interview on African A-List, Alapini opened up about his disappointment, revealing that he—along with over 100 fellow actors—dedicated two months of their time and effort to support Tinubu’s campaign, motivated by the president's previous achievements in Lagos State and contributions to the Yoruba movie industry.
“We had to abandon our work for two months to campaign for Tinubu in 2023,” Alapini said. “We supported and committed ourselves to the campaign thinking our Messiah had come. We did it because we loved Tinubu and believed in his capacity to bring positive change to Nigeria, especially given his legacy in Lagos.”
However, more than a year into the administration, Alapini says neither he nor his colleagues have been acknowledged or appreciated for their efforts. “We were not compensated, and this is the second year of his administration. Maybe they’re not in the right frame of mind yet, but we feel completely forgotten,” he lamented.
Beyond personal disappointment, the actor voiced concern over what he sees as a regional imbalance in the philanthropic focus of the president’s son, Seyi Tinubu. He questioned why Seyi’s outreach efforts, including hospital visits and bill payments, appear to be concentrated in the northern part of Nigeria, with little attention given to the Southwest—Tinubu’s home region and a stronghold of his electoral support.
“Will Seyi Tinubu say he didn’t see the old actors during the campaigning? We were there—old and young—walking the streets out of love, not for reward,” Alapini added. “But Seyi is running around the northern part of Nigeria to pay hospital bills. Aren’t there sick people in Yoruba land too? How many hospitals has he visited in the Southwest?”
Alapini’s comments highlight a growing sense of disillusionment among some early supporters of the administration, especially in the entertainment sector. As the Tinubu government approaches the halfway mark of its term, the voices of those who campaigned on goodwill and shared history are becoming more vocal—seeking not only recognition, but also more inclusive governance and a balanced national agenda.