Nollywood actress and filmmaker Toyin Abraham has rejected her inclusion in the Lagos State All Progressives Congress Campaign Council ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections, saying she was not consulted and intends to stay out of politics.

Abraham's name appeared among prominent entertainment figures listed under the Entertainment and Creative Economy Directorate of the Lagos APC campaign structure unveiled on Thursday.

The actress subsequently distanced herself from the appointment and asked the public to disregard her inclusion.

Her decision has attracted attention because of her previous public involvement in Nigerian politics, including her support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election.

ABRAHAM SAYS SHE WAS NOT CONSULTED

Abraham initially responded to the campaign council list through her Instagram Story, saying she was not a member of any campaign council and had already decided to stay away from politics.

She provided further clarification on Friday after a social media user suggested that her decision might have been influenced by criticism she previously received over her political involvement.

Abraham rejected that suggestion.

She said she discovered her name on the campaign list without prior knowledge and maintained that she was no longer interested in participating in politics.

Her explanation indicates that she did not consent to being included in the campaign structure.

ENTERTAINMENT FIGURES INCLUDED IN CAMPAIGN STRUCTURE

The Lagos APC campaign council includes an Entertainment and Creative Economy Directorate featuring several prominent Nigerian actors and musicians.

Veteran actor Jide Kosoko was listed as Co Director while actress Eniola Badmus was named Deputy Director.

Other entertainers appearing on the published list include Bimbo Akintola, Adebayo Salami, Saheed Balogun, Bukky Wright, Yinka Quadri and Tayo Sobola.

Musicians including Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, Abass Akande Obesere, Adewale Ayuba and Small Doctor were also listed.

Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture Toke Benson Awoyinka was named Director of the Entertainment and Creative Economy Directorate.

CAMPAIGN COUNCIL PREPARES FOR 2027 ELECTIONS

The campaign structure was unveiled ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The wider Lagos APC campaign council includes several prominent party figures, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu and former governors Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode.

The council was scheduled for formal inauguration on Friday at the APC Secretariat on ACME Road in Ikeja.

Abraham's name appeared in the published structure before she publicly rejected the appointment.

ABRAHAM PREVIOUSLY SUPPORTED TINUBU

Abraham was publicly involved in political discussions surrounding Nigeria's 2023 presidential election.

She openly supported Tinubu during the campaign and defended her decision amid significant debate and criticism on social media.

Her latest comments mark a different position regarding direct involvement in political campaigning.

Abraham says she has now decided to stay outside politics and that her rejection of the Lagos APC campaign role was based on that decision rather than pressure from critics.

CELEBRITY INVOLVEMENT ATTRACTS ATTENTION

The controversy highlights the increasingly visible relationship between Nigeria's entertainment industry and political campaigns.

Political parties have frequently included actors, musicians and other public figures in campaign organisations in an effort to connect with younger voters and wider audiences.

However, Abraham's rejection also raises questions about how individuals are selected and listed in political campaign structures.

The actress maintains that she had no knowledge of her inclusion before seeing the published list.

The Lagos APC had not, in the reports reviewed, publicly explained the circumstances surrounding Abraham's inclusion following her rejection.