Why I’ll Still Campaign for Tinubu Despite Not Being Paid for 2023 – Yoruba Actor, Bakara

Popular Yoruba actor Oluwole Cole, widely known as Baraka, has said he remains committed to supporting President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election, despite claiming he was never paid for his role in the president’s 2023 campaign.

Speaking during an interview with African A-List, the Lagos Island-born actor said his loyalty to Tinubu remains unwavering, describing politics as an integral part of his upbringing and community.

Baraka alleged that he, alongside several others, put their careers on hold to campaign for Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election but never received the financial compensation they were promised.

“During the 2023 election, I campaigned for Tinubu, but we were not given any money. At the time, many of the people who campaigned left their jobs to do so. As for me, aside from acting, I also work as an MC, and I know how much I can earn in a month,” he said.

The actor explained that his decision to join the campaign came at a personal cost, as he turned down paid engagements, including acting roles and master-of-ceremonies jobs.

“I lost some work opportunities during that period, just like others did. I also missed out on some acting gigs, and in the end, we were not given the money we were promised,” he added.

Despite the alleged unpaid campaign work, Baraka expressed confidence that Seyi Tinubu, the President’s son, would eventually ensure he receives what he is owed.

“As for me, Seyi Tinubu will still pay my own money. He is a good boy, so he will settle me. I’m from Lagos Island; politics is part of our way of life. I’m involved in politics, and I will continue to support Tinubu. I can’t leave him,” he said.

Baraka’s comments add to a growing list of similar claims by entertainers who publicly supported Tinubu during the 2023 election.

Veteran actress Aminatu Papapa previously said she regretted backing the President, alleging that campaign promises made to supporters were not fulfilled.

Actor Alapini also claimed that neither he nor other celebrities who campaigned for Tinubu received the compensation or recognition they had been promised.

Similarly, veteran actor Lalude alleged that he was abandoned after campaigning for President Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Neither the Presidency nor Seyi Tinubu has publicly responded to the allegations made by the actors.