Comedian Akpororo issues apology over mocking Peter Obi’s legal battle against Tinubu

Renowned Nigerian comedian, Bowoto Jephthah Tanimola, popularly known as Akpororo, has issued an apology following widespread criticism of his recent joke regarding the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the controversial comment, which suggested that Obi would spend eight years in court, received mixed reactions from Nigerians and quickly went viral on various social media platforms.

Recall that during a comedy show held in Abuja, Akpororo praised President Bola Tinubu, hailing him as a healthy and intelligent leader who would remain in power for a total of eight years. He also suggested that Peter Obi would be embroiled in legal battles throughout Tinubu’s administration.

“I always say this and people say I’m crazy. But in the end, what I said will happen. Tinubu will be president for eight years,” Akpororo proclaimed on stage.

He went on to highlight Tinubu’s remarkable transformation, noting, “Before he became president, his head, hands, and legs were shaking. But since he became the president, have you seen anything shake? People mocked him on social media for his grammar, but since he became the president, that man reads without looking at books. He is very intelligent.”

The comedian also expressed his belief in supernatural powers within the political realm, stating, “I’m telling you how Aso Rock is. When they enter that place, they’re above witches and wizards. They become principalities. I’m a Christian, I am spirit-filled. If I tell you something, it will always come to pass. Nothing will happen to Tinubu; he will be president for eight years. Tinubu did not give me any money. Is Peter Obi still in court? He will be in court for eight years.”

However, after receiving backlash for his comments, Akpororo took to Instagram to address the negative feedback.

In a post shared on Tuesday, he clarified that his statement had been taken out of context, asserting that he was merely highlighting the flaws in the Nigerian system and its pervasive corruption.

In an effort to provide more context, Akpororo shared the full video of his comedy show on his verified Instagram page, along with the message, “Make una no vex, no be wetin I mean be that, I dey try talk about Nigeria system and corruption. Na the full video be this.”

It is worth noting that Peter Obi is currently in court challenging the victory of President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election. Moreover, there are indications that both Obi and Tinubu will once again vie for the presidency in 2027.