BBNaija: Who wears the crown tomorrow?

War As Celebrities Split Over Who Wins, Governors Support Their Own

It is battle royale as the much talk about, followed reality show, Big Brother Nigeria (BBNaija) ends tomorrow. The show, no doubt, has created a lot of buzz, particularly in the new (social) media space, owing to the high level of engagement, voting and followership it command among Nigerians, especially the youths.

The show, which has been on eleven weeks, has been one with high-tempo emotions, strategies, alliances, twists and creativity, among the housemates. The showdown tomorrow is between the last five housemates — Bisola, Marvis, Debie-Rise, TBoss, and the last-man standing, Efe, who has been nicknamed, Captain Nipple by fellow housemates.

Interestingly, campaigns by fans went fever pitch on Wednesday, as celebrities and online personalities came out to identify with housemates of their choice and even expended personal resources to ensure their favourite choice wins the coveted prize.

Comedian I Go Die, surprised contributed N1million naira to support Efe, who he said is from Warri and in the words of time-tested creed: ‘Warri no dey carry last’. According to him, the money is expected to be use by Efe’s supporters for recharge cards and data bundle to enable continuous voting.

Aside I Go Die, other celebrities supporting Efe for victory are YBNL head honcho, Olamide Adedeji (aka Badosneh); comedians Basketmouth, Ali Baba, AY, Seyi Law with his daughter Tiwa. Others are Oleku crooner, IcePrince Zamani, and Limpopo master, KCee.

Comments like ‘Based on logistics, Efe must win’ and the promise of recharge cards for TeamEfe voters to ensure Efe clinches the prize money is trending on social media. Even ex-housemates Bally, Bassey and Uriel are rooting for Efe, with the hashtag #TeamEfe and #EfeNation.

Meanwhile, supporters of Tokunbo Idowu, popularly known as TBoss, are not going to sleep; they have also revved up massive campaign for the final show tomorrow. Celebrities like Uti Nwachulwu, Beverely Osu, as well as blogger, Linda Ikeji and Omosede Igbinedion as well as some of her die-hard fans, are using their social media accounts to canvass for votes.

However, not so surprisingly, as the African continent waits with bated breath to see who will be crowned winner in the second edition of Big Brother Naija, politicians have also weighed in and are strongly showing support for their own.

Governor, Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has said the state is proud of Efe and stands solidly behind him as he races towards the winning post. His counterpart in Kogi, Yahaya Bello, has said concerted efforts are being made to give their home girl, Debie-Rise as much support as needed. “Kogi State is determined to stand by Debie-Rise,” he said.

Meanwhile, Rivers State government, in a circular urged its citizens to support Marvis, who is from Eleme, an oil rich community in the State. The circular was circulated on social media directing fans and the state to vote for Marvis.

For TBoss, even though the Edo state governor is yet to make a categorical statement, one of her strongest supporters from the state is Hon Omosede Igbinedion, member, House of Representative. She campaigns for TBoss on her social media handle with the words ‘Support Made in Edo, Support TBoss’

Although Bisola hails from Ogun State, support is strong for her in Bayelsa, where a huge billboard was erected in support of her, being that her mother is from the oil rich state. Some individuals took it upon themselves to support the bundle of talent, whose mother is a daughter of the soil.

Regardless of what the debates and arguments on social media are, their favourite housemate can only win if they vote. Incidentally, Biggie still has his bag of tricks and one wonders what tricks he has up his sleeves to rattle housemates as the show draws to a close.