Antar Laniyan Faces Backlash Over Comment On Criticising Tinubu
Veteran Nollywood actor, Antar Laniyan, is facing criticism on social media after a clip resurfaced of him saying he would walk away from any friend who criticizes 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 that if a friend were on the phone with him and started criticizing Tinubu, he would leave.
When asked by the host why he would walk away, he said Tinubu “has not been what you are saying to me” and that he does not have to support his friend’s belief.
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He added, “If he has done it for me, I would not even discuss it with you, I would still walk away.”
Most reactions to the clip have described him as selfish.
The clip is resurfacing days after Yinka Quadri explained on the same programme why he supports Tinubu’s re-election. Quadri cited the president’s long-standing support for entertainers, including the $25,000 he said Tinubu paid to bring the remains of actress Moji Olaiya home from Canada in 2017.
He also pointed to road projects in the South-West, pension payments and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.
Yoruba actors’ support for Tinubu has long attracted public attention. In June 2022, Quadri, Jide Kosoko, Taiwo Hassan, Femi Adebayo and others appeared in a video endorsing his presidential ambition, which drew criticism from some Nigerians.
Some of those who campaigned for him later expressed disappointment. In 2025, actors Fatai “Lalude” Odua and Ganiu “Alapini Osa” Nofiu said they and their colleagues were neglected after campaigning for Tinubu in 2023. Actor Olaiya Igwe, who campaigned for Tinubu naked on a beach, has also apologized to Nigerians for supporting him.
The exchange comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections. The All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled its campaign timetable, while opposition groups have challenged the president to personally face voters.
Laniyan, who began his acting career in 1981, also spoke on the programme about his experiences in Nollywood and how the industry has evolved over the years. The veteran actor has not responded to the reactions as of the time of filing this report.
