Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson-Okojie has faced criticism on social media for her public endorsement of Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the upcoming Edo State gubernatorial election. In a video, she campaigned for Okpebholo, calling for change in Edo State due to the lack of basic amenities like electricity, water, healthcare, and security.
However, the video sparked backlash, with critics accusing her of supporting the ruling party despite the country’s economic hardship. Okpebholo is running against candidates from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) in the September 21 election.
Some of the criticisms include:
- Supporting the ruling party despite economic hardship
- Being influenced by political interests
- Neglecting the struggles of ordinary Nigerians
The controversy highlights the challenges of celebrity endorsements in politics, where public figures risk facing criticism for their political choices.