Mixed Reactions Trail Iyabo Ojo’s FAAN Video as Actress Declares Willingness to Work With Any Political Party

Popular Nollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo, has stirred fresh conversations online after declaring that she is open to collaborating with any political party committed to building a better Nigeria.

Her statement followed the controversy surrounding a promotional video she featured in for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), where she praised what she described as noticeable improvements at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

The clip, which was shared on social media, showed the actress commending upgrades at the airport while expressing pride in the country’s progress. However, the video quickly generated mixed reactions, largely because of her previously known political stance during the 2023 general elections, when she openly supported Peter Obi over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Amid the backlash, FAAN’s Managing Director, Olubunmi Kuku, clarified that Iyabo Ojo was neither awarded any contract nor appointed as an ambassador for the agency.

Responding to critics, the actress maintained that her decision to participate in the video was purely voluntary and motivated by patriotism rather than political affiliation or financial gain. She emphasized that whenever she observes positive development in Nigeria — whether in infrastructure, systems, or public services — she feels compelled to promote it.

“I’m Nigerian, and I’m a voice,” she wrote on Instagram. “When I see progress, I talk about it — not because I’m paid, but because I want good for my country… I will work with any political party as long as it is building a better tomorrow for our nation.”

Opinion: Beyond Politics — The Bigger Conversation Nigeria Needs

Iyabo Ojo’s situation reflects a deeper issue within Nigeria’s socio-political climate: the tendency to interpret every action through a partisan lens. In a highly polarized environment, public figures often face criticism whether they praise or condemn government initiatives.

But perhaps the more important question is this: Should patriotism be conditional on political loyalty?

Supporting improvements in national infrastructure does not necessarily translate to endorsing a particular government or abandoning prior political beliefs. In mature democracies, citizens — including celebrities — can criticize leadership while still acknowledging progress where it exists.

Nigeria’s development requires collective participation from both critics and supporters. When influential voices highlight improvements, it can encourage accountability, inspire confidence, and even motivate further progress. At the same time, citizens must remain vigilant to ensure praise does not replace constructive scrutiny.

Iyabo Ojo’s declaration that she is willing to work with any political party “building a better tomorrow” may be controversial, but it also opens an important conversation: nation-building should ideally transcend political divides.

If anything, the episode reminds Nigerians that progress should be celebrated, shortcomings should be challenged, and patriotism should never be monopolized by any political camp.