Nigerian rapper and long-time activist, Eedris Abdulkareem, has ignited controversy after claiming he was offered a staggering N200 million to continue his public criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration — an offer he says he flatly rejected.
In a fiery video posted to his social media accounts, the music veteran recounted a recent phone call he received from a man who identified himself as a senator.
The caller, he alleged, proposed financial backing in exchange for sustaining his critical stance through songs and activism — a deal Abdulkareem said was linked to undisclosed political motives.
“So I got a call from one criminal who claimed to be a ‘Honourable’,” he said in the video. “He didn’t even let me hear his name clearly… then claimed to be a senator. He told me he was in a meeting with Seyi Tinubu and others. He said they’ll try to bribe me, but they’d be sponsoring me from behind the scenes. I told him I wasn’t interested.”
Eedris, known for his unapologetic voice against corruption and bad governance, denounced the offer as manipulative and insulting.
“You think you can use me for a caricature? You people are mad. I’ve been ready for you all for a long time.”
The uproar follows the release of his latest protest anthem, Tell Your Papa, a blunt critique of the Tinubu-led government’s handling of the economy and rising public discontent.
The song, which quickly went viral, was banned by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) on April 10 — a move that has drawn sharp criticism from rights groups and artist unions.
READ ALSO: NBC Ban on Eedris Abdulkareem’s Song Violates Human Rights — Amnesty
The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) condemned the ban, warning that it could prove counterproductive by increasing the song’s visibility.
Media advocacy organization, Media Rights Agenda, also slammed the NBC’s decision.
“The NBC has completely misunderstood its role. It is acting more like a propaganda tool than a neutral media regulator,” said Ayomide Eweje, a Programme Officer at the organization.
As Nigerians continue to grapple with economic uncertainty, Eedris’s bold refusal of the alleged bribe — and the government’s attempt to suppress dissenting voices — raises fresh questions about the state of freedom of expression and the use of state power to stifle criticism.
Neither the presidency nor the NBC has issued a formal response to the allegations as of the time of reporting.