Veteran Nollywood actor Patrick Doyle has issued a stinging critique of his fellow entertainers who openly campaign for politicians, labeling their motivations as driven purely by greed rather than civic duty.
In a recent candid interview with Oyinmomo TV, the 64-year-old thespian argued that financially comfortable actors should prioritize speaking for the masses instead of seeking private financial perks through political alliances. Doyle specifically pointed out the irony of well-paid entertainers fighting amongst themselves over money received from politicians after campaign duties are done.
"Many of the entertainers are greedy," Doyle stated emphatically. "If you consider the entertainment industry, actors are already getting fed well from their income. And if you are comfortable and you want to contribute, you should not be looking for personal benefits again. They should speak on behalf of the masses."
Doyle emphasized that acting, as an art form, should maintain its independence from government influence. He expressed concern over the increasing number of Nollywood personalities openly aligning with political parties, a trend he believes creates unnecessary divisions within the industry.
Reflecting on Nigeria's last presidential election, Doyle recounted how some actors faced both online harassment and physical attacks due to the political choices they publicly endorsed. The veteran actor suggested that these conflicts often stem from disputes over unfulfilled financial promises.
"Most of those entertainers who campaigned in my presence, you would actually think they are really campaigning for that person," he observed. "And when they are done, you will still see the entertainers fighting themselves over the financial benefit. The problem is just greed."
Doyle clarified that he is not opposed to entertainers engaging in political discourse or supporting candidates. However, he insists that participation must be rooted in genuine belief in a candidate's vision and a desire to represent the masses, not in the expectation of personal enrichment.
For the veteran filmmaker, the integrity of Nollywood and the authentic voice of the people must remain paramount. His comments have sparked fresh debate within the Nigerian entertainment industry about the ethical boundaries between art, celebrity influence, and political patronage, with many young fans applauding his stance on social media.
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