Veteran Nollywood actor Patrick Doyle has called out colleagues who openly support politicians, accusing them of selfish financial motives.
Speaking in an interview with Oyinmomo TV, the 64-year-old actor did not mince words, accusing some entertainers of prioritising personal gain over public interest.
According to Doyle, many actors and filmmakers are already financially stable from their craft and do not need additional rewards tied to political endorsements.
“Many of the entertainers are greedy. Because if you consider the entertainment industry very well, actors are getting fed well from their income,” he said.
He stressed that celebrities who are comfortable financially should use their influence to advocate for the masses, rather than positioning themselves for private benefits from political alliances.
Disputes Over Political Rewards
Doyle further claimed that he has witnessed instances where entertainers who campaigned for politicians later ended up in disputes over financial compensation.
“Most of those entertainers who campaigned in my presence, you would actually think they are really campaigning for that person, and when they are done, you will still see the entertainers fighting themselves over the financial benefit,” he stated.
He concluded bluntly:
“The problem is just greed.”
Warning Against Government Influence
Beyond financial motives, Doyle warned that acting is an art form that should remain independent and not be overly entangled with government interests.
He observed that increasing political alignment among entertainers has created divisions within the industry and, in some cases, exposed actors to online harassment and even physical threats during election periods.
His comments come amid growing debate about the role of celebrities in Nigerian politics — whether they should remain neutral, endorse candidates publicly, or use their platforms strictly for civic advocacy.
Doyle’s position is clear: influence should serve the people, not personal pockets.
