Nigerian singer Habeeb Olalomi Badmus, popularly known as Portable, has once again made headlines with a bold declaration about his approach to political endorsements ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. The self-styled street-pop sensation, known for his unabashed takes on social issues, has stated unequivocally that his support will be up for grabs—depending solely on which political candidate or party reaches out to him with financial incentives first.
In a recently circulated Instagram video collage, Portable made his position unmistakably clear: hunger will not drive his political choices, and he is not committed to any political party. Reflecting on Nigeria’s heated political climate and the way celebrities are often courted to sway public opinion, the musician explained his willingness to endorse any candidate who provides material support, underlining that his loyalty comes at a price.
“My fans, vote for whoever you want, but me, I will only support the one who gives me money for the 2027 elections. Whoever drops money first between Peter Obi, Tinubu, or PDP is the one I will endorse,” Portable declared in the video, according to clips shared on his official page. He referenced influential political figures, including Labour Party’s Peter Obi, President Bola Tinubu, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and indicated his openness to the “highest bidder.”
Portable’s Stance: A Mirror to Celebrity–Politics Relations in Nigeria
Portable’s message shines a light on a growing trend among Nigerian entertainers, who are often courted by parties seeking to leverage their large followings for electoral gain. In previous elections, many actors, singers, and influencers have openly supported candidates—sometimes in exchange for patronage, according to industry insiders. As a result, Nigerians have often questioned the sincerity and motivations behind such endorsements.
According to Lagos-based political analyst Ifeanyi Akano, “Portable’s remarks, as controversial as they are, force us to reckon with how money often greases the wheels of political endorsements in Nigeria. It might sound transactional, but it reveals the lack of genuine policy-based alliances in our entertainment–politics nexus.”
A Personal Justification—Family and Past Betrayals
Portable, who has frequently showcased his family life on social media, justified his mercenary stance by pointing to his responsibilities as a father and provider. He insisted that his duties as a parent take precedence over abstract political loyalty, especially given the economic pressures many artists face. “I have children to feed; I cannot let my family suffer because of any politician,” he noted.
Reflecting on his prior forays into politics, Portable recalled an episode of disappointment, stating that despite publicly backing Senator Solomon Adeola in a previous election cycle, he found himself incarcerated, with no support from political allies. As for Seyi Tinubu—President Tinubu’s son and a known industry influencer—Portable lamented that their friendship did not translate into any tangible benefit: “Seyi Tinubu has never given me money,” he claimed, underscoring the impact of unfulfilled promises in the entertainment-political interface.
Public Reaction and Social Media Buzz
Portable’s candidness has ignited a wide array of reactions online—ranging from support for his honesty to criticism over what many see as a purely transactional approach to democracy. Some fans argue that he is simply voicing what others do behind closed doors, while others decry the potential normalization of monetized endorsements.
Chinwe Eze, a UNILAG student and social media commentator, offered this perspective: “At least he’s being honest. Many celebrities take money and pretend it’s all about ‘vision’ and ‘change.’ Portable says it as it is.” However, other voices urged caution. “The danger is that when support is up for sale, it undermines democratic choices and the credibility of those who influence public opinion,” warned Dr. Abiola Adeyemi, a social sciences lecturer at the University of Ibadan.
Nigerian Context: The Price of Celebrity Endorsements
The intersection of pop culture and politics is not new to Nigeria. According to a 2023 Premium Times report, over 40 Nigerian celebrities actively participated in political campaigns during the 2023 elections. While not all revealed receiving financial inducements, several post-election exposés alleged that some endorsements were indeed swayed by material offers—ranging from cash payments to lucrative contracts. Yet, in many instances, these alliances have led to public backlash and tarnished reputations, especially when politicians fail to deliver on promises or are later embroiled in scandal.
This environment has led many ordinary Nigerians to question the authenticity of celebrity activism. As one Lagos-based voter, Ahmed Musa, noted: “When artistes change sides based on who pays more, it’s hard for us to take any of their messages seriously.”
Not Just Personal—A Reflection of Societal Realities?
Portable’s declaration also shines a light on deeper societal issues—a context familiar not just in Nigeria, but across West Africa. In countries like Ghana, Sierra Leone, and the Gambia, celebrity endorsements have increasingly become part of the political campaign toolkit. While some argue that entertainers have the right to monetize their platforms, others contend that such practices risk diluting the power of informed democratic engagement and may even perpetuate a “cash-and-carry” political culture.
According to analyst Kwame Asare in Accra, “When entertainers are open about selling their influence, it reminds us that the problems of transactional politics extend well beyond Nigeria. The challenge for West African democracies is to build a culture where ideas matter more than incentives.”
Portable’s Experience with Political Figures—Alleged Snubs and Big Promises
Portable also took the opportunity to relay specific encounters with top political players. He lamented that, despite meeting Peter Obi in Benin City, Edo State, the Labour Party flagbearer merely offered a handshake—contrasted sharply with President Tinubu, whom he credits, allegedly, with “changing his life” after an encounter with Seyi Tinubu in July.
He further criticized the expectations of those who want him to campaign for free, especially in light of personal expenses incurred, such as funding food distribution to his fans: “I use my money to buy rice and give to fans. People should not spoil my life with rice. If I’m using my voice to campaign for you, you should support me financially,” Portable insisted, in statements widely quoted on local blogs and by his followers.
Broader Implications—Democracy, Accountability, and the Role of Influencers
The public conversation sparked by Portable’s remarks is likely to continue as the 2027 elections approach. With youth voter turnout and the role of influencers under increasing scrutiny, the debate raises important questions: Should celebrities trade loyalty for cash, or should they advocate for policies and reforms that truly benefit their audiences?
- Experts warn that the normalization of cash-for-endorsement could undermine election integrity.
- Many argue that influencers have a responsibility to uphold transparency and act as role models—especially given their reach among Nigeria’s youth.
- Comparatively, other African democracies are also grappling with the influence of money in campaign messaging, illustrating the universality of these challenges.
Notably, while Portable’s unapologetic approach has been both praised and criticized, it reflects wider pressures and survival strategies in the Nigerian entertainment industry—a sector marked by both glamour and volatility, where security nets are few and competition is stiff.
Where do you stand on celebrities openly offering their endorsements for a price? Does it matter if your favourite artist backs a candidate for money, or should authenticity come first? Share your thoughts and let’s spark a real conversation in the comments below!
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