Edo 2024: Mercy Johnson Faces Backlash for Campaigning for APC’s Okpebholo

Nollywood star Mercy Johnson-Okojie sparks controversy after endorsing APC candidate Monday Okpebholo for the upcoming Edo gubernatorial election

Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson-Okojie has found herself at the center of a heated debate on social media after she publicly endorsed Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate, ahead of the 2024 Edo State election. Johnson’s appearance at an APC rally, where she urged the public to support Okpebholo, has sparked significant backlash from critics who question her decision to align with the ruling party.
In a video that quickly went viral, Mercy Johnson-Okojie addressed a crowd during a campaign rally for Okpebholo, calling for change in Edo State. She highlighted the ongoing issues of poor infrastructure and lack of basic services, including electricity, healthcare, and security, asking voters to support the APC candidate in hopes of resolving these problems.

“Are you not tired? No light, water, healthcare, security, and good roads. If you will vote for Senator Monday, raise your hand,” the actress said. “So when you get to that field early in the morning, vote for Monday, vote for APC, vote for the broom,” she added, referencing the party’s symbol.

Social Media Reaction:
However, the endorsement did not sit well with many on social media, as several users took to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to express their disappointment in the actress. Some accused her of turning a blind eye to the widespread economic hardships and governance challenges the country is facing under the APC administration.

One user, @masurge, criticized her, saying, “Mercy Johnson is just a cheap opportunistic agbero with zero class and zero morality in my opinion. Imagine supporting blabbing Tinubu and now also supporting Illiterate Monday Okpebholo of all people. Talent is really not enough.”

Another user, @f0944366, echoed similar sentiments, commenting, “Mercy Johnson no try, how can she be campaigning for APC? It’s her right, una go talk, but it’s a right to make foolish and greedy decisions…”

Conclusion:
As the gubernatorial election draws closer, Mercy Johnson-Okojie’s involvement in Okpebholo’s campaign has become a flashpoint for public debate, raising questions about the role of celebrities in politics and the implications of their endorsements. Okpebholo faces stiff competition in the September 21 election, contesting against Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Asue Ighodalo and Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata, among others. Whether Johnson’s support will have a lasting impact on the election remains to be seen.