Nigerian actress Toyin Abraham has faced a wave of criticism for her support of President Bola Tinubu following the recent Nigerian Labor Congress (NLC) strike action, but she has also found a growing chorus of supporters rallying behind her.
Initially facing the onslaught alone, Abraham has since seen a strong show of solidarity from various quarters, even from those who did not share her political stance during the 2023 presidential campaign.
As the criticisms intensified, the actress first engaged in back-and-forth exchanges with her critics before taking to Instagram Live on June 4 to address the issue directly. Through tears but with a firm voice, she stood by her current and past political choices while warning against harassment targeting her family, particularly her children.
“If you want to curse me, curse me. Tell me I will die. Kill me. Do whatever you want to do to me. Those children did not even do anything,” she said, visibly emotional.
Her message and ordeal drew sympathizers from across the political spectrum, with supporters like @da_silvaabayomi on X (formerly Twitter) expressing solidarity: “In as much I didn’t support your candidate, I still believe in democracy, everyone has a right to vote for whoever they believe in, no evil will befall your family. Amen.”
Health Law & Policy Expert, Isaac Olatunde also lent his support, writing, “In times like these, know that you are not alone and that there are many who stand with you and support you wholeheartedly.”
Seemingly taken aback by the outpouring of support, Abraham took to social media to express her appreciation and rally for more backing.
Significantly, the actress’ statements during the Instagram live session suggest that she is seriously considering civil action. “Enough is enough. I won’t take it again… I will not let it slide,” she said.
If she proceeds, she could invoke the Nigerian Cyberbullying Act of 2015, which criminalizes intentional digital transmission of threats or bullying, imposing penalties of five to 10 years’ imprisonment or fines between ₦15,000,000 and ₦25,000,000, or both.
However, as many have observed, the same legal instrument might be used against Abraham after her alleged war of words in some unnamed individuals’ direct messages.