In a video circulating on social media on September 13, 2024, actress Mercy Johnson was seen standing on a campaign vehicle, encouraging a crowd at Ward 6, Irruekpen, Esan West LGA, to support Senator Monday Okpebholo, the gubernatorial candidate of the ruling party.
The video sparked backlash from many Nigerians, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where users expressed anger over her endorsement of the party. Mercy Johnson soon became a trending topic, with users criticizing her support.
One outraged X user accused her of using her fame to influence voters, saying, “Mercy Johnson is using her celebrity status to push people to vote for APC. Next week, she’ll complain about the high cost of eggs.” Another commented, “People are just protecting their income, no genuine love for the country.”
Mercy Johnson rallying support for the APC, urging the crowd in Ward 6, Irruekpen, Esan West LGA, to vote for the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo. pic.twitter.com/7ZY7RKXJZ9
— Oyindamola🙄 (@dammiedammie35) September 13, 2024
Others harshly criticized her acting career, with one user saying, “Mercy Johnson, who stars in senseless movies with ridiculous scripts and soundtracks, is now using her fame to manipulate local voters, anything for money.”
Another user added, “Now she’s making promises on their behalf. Later, if she’s called out, she’ll claim it’s bullying.”