Nollywood actor Laide Olabanji has renewed his public support for former Anambra State governor and NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, arguing that a leader’s ability to transform a country should not be measured by how long they hold power.
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Olabanji made the remarks on his Instagram page, where he has previously commented on political leadership and governance. The post was reported by GistReel and forms part of his ongoing public advocacy around issues he considers important to Nigeria’s future.
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To support his point, Olabanji pointed to the contrast between the military administrations of former Head of State Yakubu Gowon and his successor, Murtala Muhammed, arguing that the impact a leader has need not be tied to the length of time spent in office. He suggested that meaningful change could come quickly under the right leadership, using this comparison to make the case that Nigerians should not dismiss a candidate simply because of a perceived lack of political longevity.
The call to look beyond ethnic loyalty
Olabanji went further to urge Nigerians to set aside ethnic considerations when choosing who should lead the country, framing tribal loyalty as an inadequate basis for political support if it fails to translate into better living conditions. He tied this argument directly to his endorsement of Obi, suggesting that voters should prioritise the prospect of “a better country” over allegiance to a candidate from their own ethnic background.
What Olabanji actually said
Olabanji’s comments represent his personal political opinion as a public figure rather than a neutral or independently verified assessment of any candidate’s capacity to govern, and his historical comparison simplifies a more complex period of Nigerian military rule for rhetorical effect. His remarks should be read in the context of his continued public advocacy for Obi rather than as a considered analysis of governance outcomes. As the 2027 election approaches, public endorsements of this kind from entertainers and other public figures are likely to become more frequent across the political divide.
Source: GistReel.
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