Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Controversial Nigerian singer and social media personality, Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, has publicly condemned President Bola Tinubu's bid for a second term in office, warning that another four years under the current administration would be disastrous for Nigerians. In a video posted on his Instagram page on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, the entertainer described a potential second term as “hell fire” for the citizenry, citing the country's worsening economic situation, policy failures, and rising insecurity across Nigeria.
Speaking directly to the President, Speed Darlington questioned the rationale behind Tinubu's re-election ambition, insisting that the president’s first term has already disqualified him from seeking another. “You are here breaking your neck to become the next President of Nigeria but you’re not qualified to be President again,” he said. “From your first term, we already know that your second term is going to be hell fire.” The singer went on to criticise the removal of fuel subsidy shortly after Tinubu assumed office in 2023, a policy he argued has inflicted severe economic pain on ordinary Nigerians. “When you came to the office in 2023, the first thing you did was to remove the subsidy, knowing very well that everything about Nigerian life is attached to petroleum,” Darlington said. “You gave those in the oil sector thousands of reasons to inflate fuel prices, knowing fully well that Nigerians are naturally greedy.”.
The artist also took aim at the president's handling of national security, accusing the administration of failing to address rising banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence. “You haven’t done anything about the rising insecurity across Nigeria,” he declared, adding that the government's focus has been misplaced. He further claimed that supporters of the so-called “City Boy” movement lack recognition in their respective regions, suggesting that insecurity has made it difficult for some members to return to their hometowns. Speed Darlington also raised concerns about government borrowing and taxation. “You’ve borrowed billions, and in the end, it’s the citizens who will suffer through increased taxes. The charges deducted from my earnings are outrageous,” he said.
His remarks have sparked a wide range of reactions across social media platforms, with some Nigerians agreeing with his blunt assessment while others dismissed his comments as attention-seeking. One user, @MondayCaroline, wrote, “In a sane country Tinubu is not suppose to contest for any government position again.” Another, @ChuksR3, said, “Speed is right, based on Tinubu’s first tenure, he’s not qualified to be a local government chairman.” Others offered broader perspectives on the public mood, with @ann_omatf noting, “Economic hardship has become the loudest political argument in the country”.
Darlington Okoye, known for his eccentric personality, bold lyrics and frequent public disputes, was born on March 13, 1984, in Arondizuogu, Imo State, to Nigerian musicians Pericoma Okoye and Queen Theresa Onuorah. He was raised in the Bronx, New York, and began his career as a dancer before transitioning to music in 2017 with the release of his single “Bangdadadang!” Over the years, he has released several tracks, including “Akamu,” “Cash & Carry,” “Ogiriga Owuwa,” and “Baby Oil.” His music blends Afrobeat, rap and pop, but his public persona is often defined by his provocative behaviour and controversial statements. He has been involved in numerous disputes, including a widely publicised and ongoing feud with fellow artist Burna Boy. In 2025, he was declared wanted by Nigerian authorities over allegations of rape, cyberbullying and cyberstalking, though he later claimed the confession was a prank. Despite his contentious history, his latest comments have amplified the growing chorus of discontent over the country's economic direction.
As of press time, the Presidency had not issued an official response to Speed Darlington's criticism. Meanwhile, the 2027 election cycle continues to gather momentum, with several opposition figures already positioning themselves against President Tinubu's re-election bid.
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