Veteran Nollywood actor Antar Laniyan is facing backlash on social media after a resurfaced clip showed him saying he would walk away from friends who criticise President Bola Tinubu in his presence.
In the clip, taken from an episode of the African A-List podcast aired some months ago, Laniyan said he would leave if a friend criticised Tinubu during a phone conversation with him.
Asked by the host why he would walk away, the actor said Tinubu “has not been what you are saying to me”. He added that he did not have to support his friend’s opinion.
He said: “If he has done it for me, I would not even discuss it with you; I would still walk away.”
The remarks have drawn criticism, with many social media users describing his position as selfish.
Quadri defends support for Tinubu
The clip resurfaced days after fellow actor Yinka Quadri defended his support for Tinubu’s re-election on the same programme.
Quadri cited the president’s longstanding support for entertainers. He mentioned $25,000 he said Tinubu paid to bring actress Moji Olaiya’s remains from Canada to Nigeria in 2017.
He also pointed to road projects in the South-West, pension payments and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund as reasons for supporting the president.
Yoruba actors’ political support draws criticism
Support for Tinubu among Yoruba actors has previously attracted public attention.
In June 2022, Quadri, Jide Kosoko, Taiwo Hassan, Femi Adebayo and other entertainers appeared in a video endorsing Tinubu’s presidential ambition. The video drew criticism from some Nigerians.
Some actors later expressed disappointment with the president. In 2025, Fatai “Lalude” Odua and Ganiu “Alapini Osa” Nofiu said they and their colleagues had been neglected after campaigning for Tinubu in 2023.
Olaiya Igwe, who campaigned for Tinubu while naked on a beach, also apologised to Nigerians for supporting him.
The controversy comes as political activity builds ahead of the 2027 general elections. The All Progressives Congress has unveiled its campaign timetable, while opposition groups have challenged Tinubu to face voters.
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