Veteran entertainer and activist, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy or Area Fada, has weighed in on actor Yul Edochie’s recent political declaration.
Edochie, who had previously expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, sparked conversation across social media platforms after he released a video, calling for Nigeria’s next President to emerge from the Southeast region.
In the viral video posted on X (formerly Twitter), Edochie made a strong case for equity and justice in Nigeria’s political structure. According to him, the Southeast region has been marginalised for too long and deserves a chance at the presidency in 2027.
His words were clear and firm:
“The next President of Nigeria should come from the Southeast, in fairness and equity. That’s just the truth. That’s how it’s supposed to be.”
Edochie’s comments mark a notable shift from his earlier political stance, where he publicly backed President Tinubu’s government shortly after the 2023 general election. His new position has garnered attention, particularly among those advocating for the greater inclusion of the Igbo ethnic group in Nigeria’s national leadership.
Reacting to the actor’s recent statement, Charly Boy took to his X account to applaud the change in perspective. He wrote:
“Yul Edochie finally sees the light. Thank God you don dey change lane.”
The Area Fada, known for his bold political views and social commentary, did not mince words in acknowledging what he sees as a long-overdue awakening. Charly Boy has consistently championed justice, fairness, and representation for marginalised regions in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Edochie adds momentum to trendy topic
Yul Edochie’s public call adds momentum to the ongoing conversation around power rotation, a controversial yet significant issue in Nigeria’s democracy. Many political observers and stakeholders argue that the Southeast, one of the country’s six geopolitical zones, has never produced a democratically elected President since Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999.
Currently, Labour Party’s Peter Obi remains the most popular political figure from the Southeast. Obi made waves during the 2023 general election when he contested for the presidency under the Labour Party and gained significant support nationwide, especially among young voters.
Despite the enthusiasm and the wide grassroots support, Obi eventually came third, according to results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was declared the winner, followed by Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Peter Obi, however, has not backed down. He has openly declared interest in running again in 2027. Supporters of Obi and many in the Southeast region see his ambition as a symbol of hope and justice, believing that the region’s time to lead the country is now.
Yul Edochie’s latest message has added a new voice to that cause. Known for his bold roles in Nollywood and outspoken nature on social media, the actor’s switch could signal a growing wave of support among public figures for the idea of a Southeast presidency.
His father, veteran actor and political figure Pete Edochie, has also previously expressed concern over the exclusion of the Southeast in Nigeria’s leadership structure.
With more prominent voices joining the call, the 2027 elections may present another opportunity to address long-standing concerns about fairness and national unity. For now, public reactions continue to trail Edochie’s statement and Charly Boy’s endorsement, as Nigerians begin to shift their attention to the next political cycle.
As the build-up to 2027 begins, questions around zoning, equity, and national identity are likely to dominate conversations, and voices like Yul Edochie and Charly Boy will play a key role in shaping that dialogue.
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