Fayose rebukes Remi Tinubu’s call for artiste donations, cites APC car purchases
On July 12, 2026, Isaac Fayose, younger brother of former Ekiti Governor Ayodele Fayose, posted a video on X criticising Nigeria’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu, for urging Afrobeat stars Davido, Burna Boy and Asake to donate money to help poor Nigerians. Fayose said he disagreed, pointing out that the First Lady had previously asked state governors to buy brand‑new cars for APC women leaders in their states, arguing that those funds could have been used to assist the poor instead.
The exchange highlights a growing debate over government spending priorities versus public appeals for private charity. It raises questions about whether the administration is allocating resources to political patronage while expecting celebrities to fill gaps in social welfare. The incident also reflects public scrutiny of the First Lady’s recent philanthropic calls and the APC’s internal spending patterns, which many Nigerians view as insensitive amid economic hardship.
Readers should note that Fayose’s claim about the car purchases has not been independently verified, and the First Lady’s Saturday appeal to artistes was made without specifying amounts or mechanisms for donations. The episode invites reflection on the roles of government, private citizens and celebrities in addressing poverty. Should Nigerians pressure leaders to redirect alleged extravagant spending toward direct aid, or is it reasonable to ask successful artistes to contribute to national relief efforts?