Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Dayo Amusa, has expressed frustration over the realities of Nigerian politics, describing the struggle for party tickets as uncertain and financially draining.
In a series of posts on X on Sunday, the actress said there is a disconnect between political assurances and outcomes during primaries, alleging that many aspirants are misled despite heavy financial commitments.
“That is why I prefer to use my money and eat… Some of us will have this online popularity, we will spend money at different places to several ‘leaders’ of the party… During primaries, you will struggle to get 10 votes,” she wrote.
Amusa questioned the credibility of political leaders who, according to her, offer assurances that do not translate into support during critical moments.
“Where are the leaders and their assurances? You’ll be lucky if they pick your calls after the primaries,” she added.
She also criticised what she described as deceptive political engagement, where aspirants are given false hope despite decisions already being made behind closed doors.
“Why are you calling me honourable when you know you won’t give me ticket? Why come to my house for meeting when you know you’re going to my opponent’s house to give them reassurance? You politicians are dangerous,” she said.
In follow-up posts, she described politics as unpredictable and emotionally draining, warning that it is not for the faint-hearted.
“Politics is a crazy game… This minute you’re so sure of ticket, the next minute it’s looking like you’re not even in the conversation. It’s not for the faint hearted,” she wrote.
She added that aspirants who lose out in primaries are often left with difficult choices, including waiting for another election cycle or joining less popular parties.
“When you’re denied ticket, you’ll start calculating maybe to wait for the next four years or join an unpopular party to contest,” she noted.
Amusa also criticised the culture of premature endorsement, where aspirants are publicly addressed as “incoming” despite uncertainty over their chances.
“The fact that they will be calling you ‘incoming’ when they know you won’t get ticket is killing me,” she added.
