“I regret supporting Tinubu” – Nollywood actress apologises to Nigerians over 2023 campaign

Nollywood actress Bukky Raji, popularly known as Aminatu Papapa, has publicly apologized for supporting President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 general election, saying her decision was driven by misplaced trust and personal business interests.

In a now-viral interview with Oyinmomo TV on YouTube, Raji said she deeply regrets campaigning for Tinubu and pleaded with Nigerians, especially those facing hardship, to forgive her.

Her words: “What I regret in my life is that they said they wanted to renew hope.

“I use this moment to beg Nigerians, those I love, that love me and don’t love me… don’t be angry.”

Raji, whose rice distribution business was impacted by border closures under former president Muhammadu Buhari, said she supported Tinubu believing he would reopen the borders and revive trade.

“I began this business with 20 bags of rice, then I became someone that was offloading trailers.

“When Jagaban gets into office, I thought things would be better. But now, it’s all of us that are suffering — both those who campaigned and those who didn’t,” she said.

She clarified that her apology was not prompted by online backlash but by personal reflection.

“It’s not because people bashed me on my page but because I sat down and reflected… Oh God, I’ve made a mistake,” she stated.

The actress also stated that her support for Tinubu was not financially motivated, claiming she received no payment for her campaign efforts.

According to her, internal wrangling and greed among industry colleagues prevented the fair distribution of campaign funds.

She said: “I can boldly say I did not receive a dime. We were told to share the money equally but some disagreed… that was the genesis of the disunity.”

Raji said although Tinubu made promises during campaign meetings, none had materialized.

“These people told us they were going to work. It is still the same as yesterday,” she lamented.

She also referenced her past online clash with fellow actress Adunni Ade, who had mocked celebrities for campaigning for “a meager N90,000.”

In a now-deleted video, Raji had responded fiercely, insisting her support for Tinubu was rooted in loyalty, not money.

“Did they tell you we went there because of money? Or the love we have for Asiwaju?” she had fumed.

Now, with the economy biting hard, Raji says she recognizes the pain felt by ordinary Nigerians and admits that her support helped promote a mandate that has not been delivered.

“The masses are hungry. Don’t be angry, I’ve offended you. That’s my regret in life,” she concluded.