Nigerian actress Mercy Johnson has come under fire after actively campaigning for Senator Monday Okpebholo, the APC candidate in the upcoming Edo State gubernatorial election. Johnson, who has previously been known more for her roles in Nollywood films than her political involvement, has drawn the ire of the public for her participation in this political event. The actress was seen speaking at a rally in Ward 6, Irruekpen, Esan West LGA, where she urged the crowd, particularly women, to encourage their families to support Senator Okpebholo in the election.
Her appearance at the rally comes as no surprise to some, considering her husband’s political affiliations in Edo State. However, the video of her campaigning has quickly gone viral, sparking strong reactions online. Many social media users have voiced their disapproval, questioning her moral stance and condemning her for supporting a candidate they perceive as unqualified for the role.
In the viral video, Mercy Johnson specifically addressed the women present, imploring them to speak to their husbands and children about the importance of voting for Senator Monday Okpebholo. She emphasized that the APC candidate was the right choice for Edo State, urging the community to give him their full backing. However, her comments did not sit well with a large number of Nigerians, who expressed their frustrations with the current political situation and the economic hardships they face under the present government.
Mercy Johnson rallying support for the APC, urging the crowd in Ward 6, Irruekpen, Esan West LGA, to vote for the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo. pic.twitter.com/7ZY7RKXJZ9
— Oyindamola🙄 (@dammiedammie35) September 13, 2024
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Many have accused the actress of being insensitive to the struggles of ordinary Nigerians, branding her comments at the rally as tone-deaf given the ongoing economic challenges in the country. Critics argue that by aligning herself with APC and Senator Okpebholo, she is prioritizing her personal interests over the needs of the people.
One Linzkits wrote: “If you all like follow Mercy Johnson campaign oo. You all should know that she has cashed out. She’s only working for the money. Don’t be foolish to follow her. If Nigeria spoil, e no affect her oo.”
One Amfani_Shadrach wrote: “E no go better for this ashawo. God punish you there.”
One Gloree commented: “Is her husband not serving under APC? She no get choice. But in her heart, she knows the truth.”
Another user, Sense, added: “Na we dey overrate them because dem dey appear for TV. Mercy Johnson is a normal Nigerian who will use every opportunity she finds to swindle anyone. Just imagine campaigning for a compound illiterate to become a state governor, this is what they have reduced the Edo people to.”
One Amber Ose Ibeh shared: “Mercy Johnson is just a cheap opportunistic agbero with zero class and zero morality in my opinion. Imagine supporting and blabbing Tinubu and now also supporting illiterate Monday Okpebholo of all people. Talent is really not enough.”
The backlash against Mercy Johnson continues to grow, with many questioning whether celebrities like her should involve themselves in political campaigns, especially during such a critical period in the nation's history.
