Actress Toyin Abraham Faces Backlash for Actions Against Trolls Who Criticized Her Support for Tinubu
Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham is facing backlash on social media after reporting trolls who cursed her for supporting President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general election to the police for cyberbullying.
During the 2022 election campaign, Abraham declared her support for Tinubu, assuring her fans that his ‘Renewed Hope’ action plans would address some of the nation’s problems. She was confident in his ability to deliver on these promises. Alongside Abraham, other Yoruba movie stars also supported and campaigned for Tinubu.
Since Tinubu’s inauguration on May 29, 2023, the Nigerian economy has deteriorated. On his first day in office, Tinubu announced the removal of the fuel subsidy, causing the price of Premium Motor Spirit to surge from N185 to over N700. Additionally, his administration’s financial sector reforms, including floating the naira to achieve market-determined interest rates, have led to the naira’s instability against the dollar, with exchange rates fluctuating between N1,200 and N1,500. These decisions have contributed to increased poverty levels in Nigeria.
Netizens have particularly targeted Abraham for defending her political choice, expecting her to explain how Tinubu plans to address Nigeria’s issues. In a reply to a user identified as #Lati, Abraham stated she has moved on to focus on her acting career and regretted being open about her political stance. “I have faced my life and my career because I am not a politician and I am not in government. I have learned my lesson never ever to be open with my political choice again,” she wrote.
Despite her explanations, the online attacks continued. A user named #YVRLO directed harsh comments towards Abraham and her family, leading her to take legal action against him for cyberbullying. “It is not an abuse of power; it’s a fight against cyberbullying,” said Abraham’s spokesman. “Everyone must understand that actions have consequences, especially online.”
Another user, #Ayo, accused Abraham of using Tinubu’s money for a hair transplant for her husband, which led to his arrest after Abraham reported him for cyberbullying. This incident prompted further criticism, with a user named Ajebo Danny challenging Abraham, saying, “Hello @Toyin_Abraham, you will have to send the police to pick all of us. You are shameless.”
In response, Abraham clarified, “You can abuse me and call me names; it is fine, and as I said, I will accept and take it in cos I’m in the public eyes, but cursing my kids and lying is what I won’t accept, and lastly I NEVER and will NEVER arrest anyone’s mum. I made a report on cybercrime as a citizen.”
