Kannywood Actor Sadiq Sani Sadiq Sparks Debate with Preference for Niger Republic Leader Over Tinubu

Kannywood Actor Sadiq Sani Sadiq Sparks Debate with Preference for Niger Republic Leader Over Tinubu

Popular Kannywood actor, Sadiq Sani Sadiq, has stirred reactions on social media after publicly declaring his preference for Niger Republic’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, over Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Entertainment Digest reports that the actor made the remarks during a live stage performance in Niger Republic, where he addressed an enthusiastic crowd in a video that has since circulated widely across social media platforms.

Speaking in Hausa, Sadiq praised General Tchiani, describing him as a patriotic leader who genuinely loves his country, its people and the African continent.

“I prefer the President of Niger to Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Why do I say this? It is because, in my heart, I know the man loves Africa and Africans. He loves his people and is proud of his heritage,” the actor said.

Sadiq further commended the Nigerien leader for what he described as his commitment to African identity and sovereignty, earning loud applause from members of the audience.

The actor also made comments on cultural and regional affinity, saying he feels a stronger bond with people from neighbouring Niger Republic than with some groups in southern Nigeria.

“I feel closer to people from Niger, like brothers, far more than to those from southern Nigeria, whether Yoruba or Igbo,” he stated.

The remarks have since generated mixed reactions online, with some commentators describing them as a personal opinion expressed in a cultural setting, while others criticised the comments as divisive and insensitive given Nigeria’s diverse ethnic composition.

Neither the Presidency nor the Federal Government had officially responded to the actor’s comments as of the time of filing this report by Entertainment Digest.

General Tchiani came to power in Niger Republic following the July 2023 military takeover that ousted former President Mohamed Bazoum. His administration has since maintained a strained relationship with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), particularly over demands for a return to democratic rule.

Sadiq Sani Sadiq is one of the most prominent actors in Nigeria’s Hausa-language film industry and commands a significant following across northern Nigeria and parts of the West African sub-region. His latest comments are expected to fuel further debate on regional identity, nationalism and political leadership within the region.

By PRNigeria