Reasons Behind Celebrities Avoiding Political Commentary

MI Abaga

Renowned Nigerian rap legend M.I Abaga has opened up about the hesitation many public figures face when addressing political criticisms, shedding light on personal conflicts behind the silence.

During a candid conversation on the Outside The Box podcast, Abaga revealed how personal connections with politicians often complicate public discourse. 

He explained that friendships in political circles can lead to a tug-of-war between honesty and loyalty, where valid critiques are sometimes suppressed to maintain relationships.

Reflecting on his own encounters, the rapper described a late-night discussion with Jos’ governor that stretched until 2:30 a.m., centered on advancing the creative industry. 

He admitted that such personal moments make him pause before criticizing, not out of ignorance of flaws, but to honor the goodwill he’s witnessed firsthand.

He shared: “Many artists find themselves in a tricky spot when they have friends in politics. You gain a deeper insight into their struggles—seeing them face public backlash makes you think twice before adding to the noise. Take my experience with the governor of Jos, for example. Meeting him in the dead of night, exhausted yet passionate about the arts, changed my perspective.

“Here’s a leader sacrificing sleep to engage with me about industry reforms. When criticism erupts later, I might hold back, not because wrongdoing should be excused, but because I’ve seen their humanity up close. Maybe they need someone to say, ‘I still remember the good you’re capable of.’

“That’s just how complex human connections can be.”