“Political Slaves!” — Laide Olabanji Slams Nollywood Colleagues Over New ‘Eko 57 Movement’ for Tinubu 2027

Popular Nollywood actor and filmmaker Laide Olabanji has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry after launching a blistering attack on his colleagues, labeling them “political slaves.”

​The outburst comes in response to the official unveiling of the “Eko 57 Movement,” a newly formed group consisting of high-profile Nollywood actors and actresses. The group has reportedly hit the ground running, drumming up massive support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 polls.

​The Eko 57 Movement, which draws its name from the 57 local government areas and LCDAs in Lagos State, is seen as a strategic grassroots mobilization engine. However, Olabanji believes the timing and intent of the group are misplaced, especially given the current economic realities facing many Nigerians.

​In a series of candid remarks that have since gone viral, Olabanji did not hold back his disappointment. He accused his peers of prioritizing “stomach infrastructure” over the well-being of the masses who patronize their craft.

​”It is disheartening to see people who should be the voice of the people turning themselves into political slaves for the sake of crumbs,” Olabanji remarked. “How can you be talking about 2027 when the people are still struggling in 2026?”

​The formation of the Eko 57 Movement has reignited the fierce debate over entertainers’ involvement in partisan politics. While members of the movement argue they are exercise their democratic rights to support the “Renewed Hope” agenda, critics like Olabanji view these collective endorsements as transactional.

​This is not the first time the industry has been split. During the 2023 elections, Nollywood was a major battleground for endorsements, with many stars facing heavy backlash from fans. Olabanji’s recent “knock” suggests that the road to 2027 will be just as polarized, if not more so.