Why I Told Nigerians To Stop Making Enemies Over Politics — Timi Dakolo

Nigerian singer Timi Dakolo has explained the reason behind his viral advice urging Nigerians not to turn political differences into personal enmity, saying politicians from opposing parties often maintain cordial relationships away from the cameras.

The ‘Iyawo Mi’ crooner sparked debate on X on Thursday after posting, “Stop making enemies because of politics.”

His comment drew mixed reactions, with some users accusing him of hypocrisy and questioning why Nigerians should associate with people they believe do not prioritise humanity.

Some critics also suggested that his performances at events organised by the All Progressives Congress (APC) influenced his position.

However, other users defended the singer, describing his post as a harmless opinion and a timely warning against allowing political disagreements to damage personal relationships.

In a follow-up post, Dakolo explained that his advice was informed by his encounters with politicians from different parties, whom he said interacted warmly when they were away from public scrutiny.

According to him, the cordial relationships between politicians behind the scenes stand in sharp contrast to the hostility and divisions their supporters sometimes display towards one another.

The singer maintained that he was not affiliated with any political party, adding that Nigerians should not allow political differences to turn them into enemies.

He wrote, “Dear Nigerians, I can never be your enemy or take the side of oppressors. I’ve been in rooms with these men in politics when the cameras are off, and they are not fighting. The first time I witnessed it, I was shocked. I saw them hugging each other and asking about each other’s families, projects and businesses.”

Dakolo argued that political supporters often engage in bitter confrontations over politicians who, in many cases, continue to maintain friendly relationships with their counterparts across party lines.

“These are the people we fight each other over and divide ourselves because of, and that’s how they win. They divide us, and we fight among ourselves. I’m not affiliated with any political party, but I’m just telling you the truth.

“They don’t fight each other when the cameras are off. So, I’m telling you not to make unnecessary enemies because of politics. People die over political fights, and later, these politicians change parties.”

The singer’s comments come amid renewed debates over political loyalty, supporters’ conduct, and the consequences of political divisions in Nigeria.

Dakolo has previously faced criticism over his involvement in political events. In 2022, he came under fire for performing at the presidential declaration event for Atiku Abubakar, who was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate at the time.