Nollywood actor, Yul Edochie’s intention to run for the highest office in Nigeria has been met with mixed reactions in the country.
The 36-year-old movie star cum politician disclosed via his social media page on Monday that he will be contesting the presidency.
Today I declare my interest to run for President of the greatest country in the world, Nigeria.
A blessed country that’s been crippled by decades of bad leadership.
Enough is Enough!
Fellow Nigerians, stand with me let us bring the problems of our country to the THE LAST BUS STOP pic.twitter.com/Hw828Rc9cA— Yul Edochie (@YulEdochie) April 23, 2018
Yul recently contested the governorship position of Anambra State but had 145 votes, one of the lowest in the race.
His critics are questioning his competence following what they call his poor performance at the Anambra gubernatorial election.
But for some young people, his intention to contest the presidency comes as a welcome relief for them, particularly after President Muhammadu Buhari’s ‘lazy youth’ comment.
Buhari’s comments were met with harsh criticism, with Nigerian youth either stating the strides they have taken in their lives or highlighting some of the systemic failures that have limited them from achieving their dreams.
Hence, the decision by Edochie, who is also the son of veteran actor Pete Edochie, to run for the presidency could not have come at a better time, some young Nigerians have said.
But others are not enthused.
Here’s how Nigerians are reacting to the news on Twitter:
U have to start from nollywood president first then u can proceed from there my man
— Dr Johnsluv (@jonsluv) April 23, 2018
This one that thinks that women’s nagging is a reason why men beat their wives wants to be Nigeria’s president too? Please how do you intend to close gender inequality gaps when you also reinforce negative stereotypes? Wow! ???
— Pamela (@miss_isioma) April 23, 2018
This one that thinks that women’s nagging is a reason why men beat their wives wants to be Nigeria’s president too? Please how do you intend to close gender inequality gaps when you also reinforce negative stereotypes? Wow! ???
— Pamela (@miss_isioma) April 23, 2018
president of Actors of Nigeria abi
— Abubakar (@Abubaka50554974) April 24, 2018
Do you have all what it take to become the president of NIGERIA
— Prince (@princekumokou) April 24, 2018
Yul for president 2019 ..what we need is a youth to lead Nigeria..And let the old dogs sit down @MBuhari you are going to pay for calling us lazy Nigerian youths
— Rayunusual (@OkomeRacheal) April 24, 2018
@YULEDOCHIE FOR NIGERIA PRESIDENT IS A GOOD NEWS FOR THE YOUTHS ………BECAUSE #PMB HAVE THE gods TO CALL US WE THE YOUTHS LAZY PEOPLE
— mark morris (@markmor45127579) April 24, 2018
Abeg be president of Nigeria Nollywood and chairman of your local government before contesting for the president of Nigeria
— Umar Ahmed (@UmarAhmed3) April 24, 2018
In all fairness,you’re “seemingly” qualified to run for & occupy the Office of the President.Your imperfections notwithstanding
— uzoma charles (@Chi_dera98) April 23, 2018
Yul Edochie had 145 votes in Anambra gubernatorial election and now he wants to be president.
These boys are being deceived by motivational speakers who tell them Nothing is Impossible.#SWA
— adeniyi akinbile A (@niyiblessing) April 24, 2018