The Digest:
Nollywood actor Bolanle Ninalowo has been appointed as the Atlanta, United States, coordinator for 'Relax Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria' (RTIFN), a pro-Tinubu advocacy group founded by Seyi Tinubu, the president's son. Ninalowo announced the appointment on Instagram, sharing promotional material featuring the group's and the APC's logos. The RTIFN describes itself as a youth-focused platform aimed at connecting Nigerians at home and in the diaspora with "accurate updates" on the Tinubu administration's achievements. The group's stated mission is to serve as a bridge between the government and the people, fostering dialogue and encouraging youth participation in national development.
Key Points:
- The appointment leverages Ninalowo's celebrity status and diaspora influence to amplify pro-government messaging and mobilize support among Nigerians abroad.
- It reflects a strategic effort to engage the youth and diaspora communities through familiar cultural figures, framing political support as a modern, innovative movement.
- For the administration, such groups aim to shape public narrative, counter criticism, and build a grassroots support base ahead of future electoral cycles.
- The actor's involvement highlights the continuing intersection of Nigeria's entertainment industry and partisan politics, where stars are recruited for their reach and relatability.
- The group's focus on "accurate updates" positions it as an official counter-narrative to critical media coverage, aiming to control the information ecosystem.
Sources: Official announcement by Bolanle Ninalowo on Instagram and RTIFN's social media channels.
