Veteran actor Saheed Balogun has shared reasons behind his recent interactions with Nigerian politicians.
His involvement, he said, is rooted in a genuine desire to understand how the country’s political system works and to encourage citizens to become more politically aware.
During an interview on TVC News’ Saturday Breakfast, Balogun said he was among the first actors to openly associate with politicians during the 2023 general elections.
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He explained that his decision to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the time was guided by personal conviction and trust.
“In 2023, I’m one of the first actors that mingles with the politicians because my late sister, Suleymane Adediji, and Laiba Lugmu, they’re into politics. But when I did for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in 2023, I did it for, well, all these people are seen. Who do you know? Who do you trust? I said, let’s go. Thank God he won,” Balogun said.
After the elections, Balogun said he came to realize that one of the country’s biggest challenges is a lack of political education among the populace.
“We need to know about a lot of things. Who is the government? You are the government. I am the government. We need to ask questions. If we have orientation about this country—what led to our problem, and if the man trying to fix it is doing the right thing—not just looking for a miracle worker,” he stated.
He added that his engagement with politicians was also aimed at helping him understand national issues like the removal of fuel subsidy and its economic effects.
“I saw a graduate, and I was discussing subsidy. He doesn’t even know what subsidy is all about. Once they remove subsidy, the money made, how it’s going to be spent, he doesn’t know. All he knows is, ‘I am hungry. Rice last year was ₦50,000; this year is ₦80,000.’ We need to know about our country and what is going on,” he noted.
When asked about the possibility of joining politics, Balogun said he would only do so if it was destined to be.
“If it is my calling, I will,” he concluded.
