Nigerian hip-hop veteran and socio-political activist, Eedris Abdulkareem, is once again at the center of national attention following reports that he rejected a whopping N200 million bribe allegedly offered to persuade him to backtrack on his recently released anti-Tinubu song.
The Anti-Tinubu song, which has been making waves across social media and streaming platforms, is a fiery criticism of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It tackles issues ranging from inflation, fuel subsidy removal, youth unemployment, and growing dissatisfaction with the government’s performance.
Though unconfirmed by official sources, close associates of the artist claim that attempts were made to silence him with a substantial monetary offer—a claim that has sparked intense debate on artistic freedom, censorship, and the role of celebrities in national discourse.
According to insider reports, the offer was allegedly extended by unnamed intermediaries with strong political connections who were unsettled by the growing popularity and political charge of the song titled “Jagaban Must Answer”.
“They offered him N200 million through a well-known political associate who thought the money would make him pull the track offline,” a member of Abdulkareem’s inner circle told our reporter. “But Eedris stood his ground. He said he’s doing this for the Nigerian people, not for profit.”
Neither the presidency nor any political spokesperson has officially commented on the bribery allegation at the time of filing this report.
This is not the first time Eedris Abdulkareem has used his platform to call out political elites. His 2004 hit single, “Jaga Jaga”, directly tackled corruption and poor governance in Nigeria. Then-president Olusegun Obasanjo publicly condemned the song, but Abdulkareem remained undeterred.
Now, two decades later, his fearless voice has re-emerged—this time targeting the current administration over what he perceives as worsening hardship across the nation.
In a recent interview, Eedris said, “When leaders fail to deliver, it’s the duty of every conscious artist to speak truth to power. That’s what I’ve always stood for.”
The news of the alleged bribe has ignited a firestorm of reactions online. On X (formerly Twitter), the hashtag #EedrisRefuses200m trended as users applauded the artist’s courage.
One user tweeted, “This is the Nigeria we want. Artists who won’t sell their voice to power. Respect to Eedris!”
Another user wrote, “Eedris has always been consistent. N200m is life-changing money, but integrity is priceless.”
However, not everyone is convinced. Some questioned the credibility of the report and called for evidence.
Political observers suggest that the development reflects a larger wave of disenchantment among Nigerian youths. With inflation at a record high and the cost of living rising steadily, many have turned to music, art, and social media to vent their frustrations.
“This incident speaks to the growing gap between the government and the governed,” said Chika Udeh, a political analyst and columnist. “Artists like Eedris are simply voicing what many Nigerians feel but cannot express.”
He added that the government must begin to pay attention to non-traditional feedback channels such as music and pop culture.
Human rights groups and watchdog organizations have called on the government to investigate the bribery allegations transparently.
“We urge the relevant authorities to look into these reports,” said a statement from the Civil Rights Network of Nigeria. “If true, this constitutes an attempt to suppress freedom of expression, which is protected by the Nigerian constitution.”
The group also praised Abdulkareem’s consistency in advocating for good governance.
With Nigerian music gaining international acclaim, some artists are leveraging their influence to amplify local issues. Unlike most contemporary artists who shy away from controversy, Eedris Abdulkareem continues to embody the role of the musical activist.
Industry experts say this brave stance could inspire a new wave of socially conscious music.
“The Afrobeats generation must understand that music is not just for vibes—it’s a powerful tool for change,” said Yemi Arinze, a Lagos-based entertainment journalist.
As the nation awaits an official response to the alleged N200 million bribery saga, one thing is clear—Eedris Abdulkareem has once again stirred the conscience of a nation.
Whether the song will provoke a broader artistic movement or fizzle out as another controversial moment remains to be seen. But for now, his decision to choose message over money is winning him applause across the country.