Nollywood actress Bukky Raji, popularly known as Aminatu Papapa, has apologised to Nigerians for supporting President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 elections.

She said her decision was based on misplaced trust and business interests.

She made the apology during a viral interview with Oyinmomo TV, which surfaced online on Sunday, where she reflected on the hardship in the country and the backlash that followed her support for the ruling party.

According to her, she thought Tinubu’s presidency would bring relief to her rice business, which had suffered losses since the closure of Southern borders under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

“What I regret in my life is that they said they wanted to renew hope. I use this moment to beg Nigerians, those I love, that love me and don’t love me,” she said.

Raji explained that her apology was not because of the criticisms she received online but from deep personal reflections.

“It’s not because people bashed me on my page but because I sat down and reflected… ‘Oh God, I’ve made a mistake,’” she added.

The actress, who started her rice business with 20 bags and later moved to offloading trailer-loads, said she believed Tinubu would ease border restrictions and help revive her trade.

“I felt if he (Tinubu) gets elected, things will be better… but it’s all of us that’s suffering it, including those that campaigned and those that didn’t,” she said.

She also claimed she was not paid for her campaign efforts, blaming disunity and greed among industry colleagues for the fallout.

“I can boldly say I did not receive a dime… Yes, we had elders among us in the industry but that was the genesis of the disunity,” she said.

Raji added that some politicians had promised to improve citizens’ welfare during campaign meetings, which convinced her to join their movement.

“These people told us they were going to work. It is still the same as yesterday,” she said.

The actress had earlier clashed with fellow thespian, Adunni Ade, shortly after the 2023 election. Adunni had accused some celebrities of collecting N90,000 to campaign for political candidates.

Raji, in response, defended her actions, insisting her support was out of love, not financial reward.

“Did they tell you we went there because of money? Or the love we have for Asiwaju?” Raji asked.