Popular Nigerian rapper and actor, Folarin Falana, better known as Falz, has dismissed claims that he endorsed the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, or any other politician during the 2023 general elections.
Falz made the clarification while speaking on ARISE News Prime Time, where he explained that although he actively encouraged Nigerians to participate in the electoral process, he never publicly declared support for any political candidate or party.
The award-winning artiste said his position had always been centred on encouraging citizens to exercise their civic responsibility and ensuring that the country has a free, fair and credible democratic process.
“Just a point of correction: I’ve never, in 2023 or at any point, openly supported any politician or political party,” Falz said.
According to him, his advocacy has consistently been about encouraging Nigerians to come out and vote for candidates of their choice and make their voices heard through the ballot.
“I’ve only actively encouraged people to go out to vote and let their intentions be known. What I clamour for is a free and fair democratic process,” he added.
Falz also expressed concern over what he described as a recurring pattern in Nigeria’s political landscape, where the same group of political actors continues to return to power through successive elections.
He said the situation had made it difficult for him to openly identify with or endorse any politician.
“We’ve been going in cycles, and it just seems like almost the same crop of people we keep on reshuffling. At the end of the day, it’s tough to even sit anywhere and vouch for a Nigerian politician in 2026,” he stated.
However, the musician noted that his position could change if he encounters a political candidate whose character, competence and vision genuinely convince him to offer his support.
“If I see someone that I feel 100 per cent is the one, maybe I would. But as it stands, I’m just trying to be cautious,” he said.
Falz further called on Nigerians, particularly young people, to participate actively in the 2027 general elections.
He urged eligible voters to turn out in large numbers and exercise their franchise, arguing that increased voter participation would help strengthen the democratic process and make electoral manipulation more difficult.
The rapper has, over the years, been vocal on issues concerning governance, social justice, accountability and civic participation, but maintained that his advocacy for voter participation should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any particular political candidate or party.
