In a recent interview that has gone viral on social media, veteran Yoruba actor Ganiu Nafiu, popularly known as Alapini Osa, staunchly defended President Bola Tinubu’s administration, asserting that the leader is committed to improving Nigeria despite widespread criticisms. The video features Alapini in a casual sit-down with filmmaker Kunle Afod for Kunle Afolayan TV. Afod directly questions Alapini about his past support for Tinubu during the 2023 presidential campaign and his views on the current state of the nation. Alapini’s response has drawn sharp reactions, highlighting a perceived disconnect between his optimistic outlook and the harsh realities facing ordinary Nigerians.
In the clip, Alapini maintains a firm pro-Tinubu stance. He states that Tinubu “is trying to make Nigeria better” and does not seek the presidency for personal gain, as “he was already rich and famous before becoming president.” Alapini attributes the country’s challenges to opposition forces, claiming “some people don’t want him to succeed,” but confidently predicts that “at the end, Tinubu will fix Nigeria.” This defense comes despite Alapini’s previous public regret over his campaign involvement.
In June 2025, he expressed disappointment, lamenting that actors like himself who backed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda felt neglected post-election. “We were campaigning with joy thinking our messiah has arrived,” he said at the time, highlighting a sense of abandonment by the administration. His apparent reversal—now praising Tinubu again—has led some online commentators to speculate that he may have been “settled” or influenced.
Alapini’s political alignment with Tinubu is not new; he was an active campaigner in 2023, leveraging his influence in the Yoruba film industry to rally support. As a respected figure in Nollywood, his endorsements carried weight among fans and peers. However, this latest interview has exposed a broader pattern of fluctuating public sentiment among Tinubu’s supporters.