Veteran actor Yinka Quadri has explained his decision, alongside some colleagues in the movie industry, to support President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term, pointing to the President’s longstanding backing of entertainers and his efforts in infrastructure development.
Quadri said their support was not motivated by personal interests but by Tinubu’s continued support for practitioners in the entertainment industry, dating back to his tenure as Lagos State governor.
He disclosed this during an appearance on the African A-List interview, where he recalled how Tinubu paid the medical bills of late comic actor Babatunde Omidina, popularly known as Baba Suwe, while he was ill.
“People do not understand it. It is not about what we want to eat. He has been taking care of those of us in the industry since he was the governor of Lagos,” Quadri said.
The actor also cited Tinubu’s intervention following the death of actress Moji Olaiya in Canada in 2017, when her colleagues were faced with the challenge of repatriating her remains.
Quadri disclosed that he, along with Fathia Balogun, Yomi Fabiyi, and others, visited Tinubu’s Bourdillon residence in Lagos to seek financial help.
“When Moji Olaiya died, I, Fathia Balogun, Yomi Fabiyi and others were trying to bring her back from abroad. We went to Bourdillon to seek financial support.
“He asked us for the cost and paid it. It was a total of $25,000,” the actor said.
He noted that Tinubu has continued to assist industry members whenever they seek his support.
Quadri also cited infrastructure development in the South-West as part of his reasons, referencing the Papalanto-Sagamu road and the Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode road.
While noting that more remains to be done, he said the efforts deserve commendation.
“I know it is not enough, but I praise him,” Quadri said.
He also listed pension payments to retirees and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund as positive steps taken by the Tinubu administration.
Quadri’s comments come as political conversations gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.