Nigerian hip-hop veteran and activist, Eedris Abdulkareem, has criticised President Bola Tinubu, saying while the country’s leader may be a good father to his son, Seyi, he is the worst president Nigeria has ever had.
During his appearance on Channels TV’s Rubbin’ Minds on Sunday, Abdulkareem discussed his latest politically charged song, Tell Your Papa.
According to SaharaReporters, the track, which criticizes President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has sparked significant attention, backlash, and a ban.
“I saw a video of Seyi Tinubu campaigning for his father and defending him. He kept saying, ‘My father is the best president. My father is the greatest president. They are coming for my father!’” Abdulkareem said.
“He kept repeating that line multiple times, and honestly, he looked better when he was silent. I would advise him to hand the microphone to an MC next time. He lacks the charisma and understanding to communicate the real economic situation Nigerians are facing under his father’s leadership.”
The rapper was clear in his condemnation: “Tinubu may be the best father to Seyi Tinubu, but he is the worst president Nigeria has ever had.”
He added, “Nigerian youths don’t have jobs, not to mention food. They can’t even travel safely on roads because of kidnappers. Seyi Tinubu should try travelling without security—board a commercial bus from Yaba to Benin and see what ordinary Nigerians go through.”
Addressing criticism that his lyrics were a personal attack on Seyi Tinubu, Abdulkareem said, “Some people ask why I attacked Seyi. But if Seyi hadn’t come out to speak publicly in defence of his father, I wouldn’t have responded. I only replied to what he said. There’s no insult in my song—just facts about the policies and failures of Tinubu’s government.”
He continued, “They lied about subsidy, lied about fixing the economy, lied about strengthening the naira. Everything is worse now. If you listen to my song, you’ll know I’m just telling the truth.”
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) recently imposed a nationwide ban on Abdulkareem’s latest single, Tell Your Papa, describing it as “objectionable” and a breach of Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. This section prohibits content considered inappropriate or offensive for public broadcast on radio and television.
In a memo dated April 9, 2025, and signed by NBC’s Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Susan Obi, the commission cautioned all radio and TV stations against airing the song, citing its violation of “public decency.”
Abdulkareem said, “Yes, this is not the first time they’re banning my song. But it only makes it more popular. Why ban a song that only speaks the truth?”
He then listed key failings of the Tinubu administration, saying, “Let’s talk facts: Petrol prices have gone up by over 300% since the removal of fuel subsidy.
“Inflation is out of control. Prices of goods keep rising, and the CBN keeps raising interest rates to no effect. Hunger is at an all-time high. Salaries are still at N70,000, but electricity bills alone can wipe that out in a month.
“Power supply is still terrible, and electricity tariffs have increased. Insecurity is worse—terrorists are kidnapping Nigerians in large numbers. Farmers can’t even access their farmlands anymore.
“The government is promoting GMOs instead of providing food security. Transportation costs are skyrocketing because of high fuel prices.”
He pointed out that the naira has lost significant value, leading to widespread financial hardship as poverty escalates and wealth continues to decline.
Abdulkareem also responded to rumours that he had been offered N200 million to retract or silence the controversial song.
“I got a call from someone who claimed to be an honourable. He said he was at a meeting where it was decided that they’d reach out to me with an offer. He warned me not to take it because they would try to buy me off. Imagine—offering me N200 million to shut up. I’m not a child. I know these tricks. I’ve been in this game for decades, and I’m not for sale,” he said.
The artist said his goal is not money or fame but a better Nigeria.
He said, “I want a Nigeria where we return to regional government—where states control their resources. And we must clean up the judiciary. Look at what’s happening in Rivers State. Why declare a state of emergency just to remove an elected governor? It’s obvious they want control.
“We need strong leaders who will change the constitution, return us to regional government, remove corrupt judges, and allow each region to control its resources. Instead, we have people chasing after national cake and deceiving the masses.”
When asked if he had ever felt discouraged or pressured by family or society to abandon activism and adopt a more commercial approach to music, he responded, “Do I need to lie just to make money? I am content. I have enough to care for my family. My wife and I are doing well. We’re raising our children and paying their school fees. I even have a farm in Jos where I grow moringa and strawberries—but terrorists have taken over, so I can’t even access it anymore.
“To every influencer and celebrity staying silent or lending their voices to support this government in exchange for favours—shame on you. Keep collecting blood money while people suffer. But I will keep speaking the truth. God bless Nigeria.”
He reflected on the resurgence of his legendary protest song “Nigeria Jaga Jaga”, saying: “That song will remain our second national anthem. I pray one day it becomes irrelevant because Nigeria has truly changed. Until then, I’ll keep speaking the truth.”
The artist described the ban as a blatant attempt by the government to silence dissent and suppress free speech.
“It’s obvious that in Nigeria, truth and constructive criticism is always deemed as a big crime by the government,” Abdulkareem said.
“This present government, led by President Bola Tinubu, is now going on record as one of the most insensitive, vindictive and grossly maleficent administrations ever to preside over the affairs of Nigeria.”
According to Abdulkareem, the song highlights the worsening economic conditions, rising poverty, and unchecked government excesses since Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.
“Just under two years of his presidency, and the results are just frighteningly abysmal from all fronts,” the artist stated.
“This is a fact, known by all Nigerians, irrespective of religion, tribe and political affiliations, except for the few happy slaves grovelling for crumbs from their paymaster’s table.”
This is not the first time Abdulkareem has faced censorship.
In 2004, his hit single “Jaga Jaga”, which criticised corruption and misgovernance under then-President Olusegun Obasanjo, was similarly banned by NBC.
The song, however, went on to become an anthem for protest and youth activism in Nigeria.
“Any wonder why Nigeria hasn’t made impactful strides all these years?” Abdulkareem asked. “The conscience is an open wound; only the truth can heal it.”
