Veteran Rapper Eedris Abdulkareem Blasts President Tinubu, Defends Banned Protest Song 'Tell Your Papa' [VIDEO]

 

Outspoken Nigerian hip-hop icon and social activist Eedris Abdulkareem has reignited national discourse with a stinging critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing his leadership as “the worst Nigeria has ever seen.” His latest track, Tell Your Papa, a fiery political anthem, has already sparked outrage in high places—culminating in a national broadcast ban and a media storm.

During a no-holds-barred appearance on Channels TV’s Rubbin’ Minds on Sunday, the veteran artist didn’t mince words as he dismantled the policies and priorities of the current administration. Speaking about the motivation behind Tell Your Papa, Abdulkareem pointed to a viral video featuring the president’s son, Seyi Tinubu, passionately defending his father.

“I watched Seyi repeatedly proclaiming, ‘My father is the best president,’” Abdulkareem said. “Honestly, he looked better when he kept quiet. He should leave public speaking to professionals because he clearly lacks the grasp of what everyday Nigerians are enduring.”

In his boldest statement yet, the rapper declared: “Tinubu may be the best father to Seyi, but he is undeniably the worst president Nigeria has ever had.”

The song, which calls out government failures on inflation, insecurity, and economic mismanagement, has already been banned by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for violating "public decency" under Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. The NBC memo, signed by its Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Susan Obi, warned all broadcasters against airing the track.

But Abdulkareem is unfazed.

“This isn’t my first rodeo,” he said, referencing the similar censorship of his iconic 2004 protest song Jaga Jaga, which was banned during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure. “Banning a song that speaks truth to power only amplifies it. You can’t silence facts.”

The track, Tell Your Papa, takes direct aim at the state of the nation under Tinubu’s watch. Abdulkareem highlighted rising petrol prices, staggering inflation, and an economy that continues to spiral despite Central Bank interventions.

“Petrol prices have surged by over 300% since subsidy removal. Inflation is rampant. The naira is weak, and hunger is everywhere,” he lamented. “Electricity tariffs have gone up while power supply remains poor. Meanwhile, insecurity worsens. Kidnappers are ruling our roads, and farmers can’t reach their farms.”

He further criticised government initiatives promoting genetically modified crops instead of tackling hunger and food scarcity through more effective agricultural policies.

When asked about allegations that his lyrics unfairly targeted Seyi Tinubu, Abdulkareem was quick to clarify. “I responded to Seyi only because he stepped into the arena of political discourse. If he hadn’t spoken publicly in support of his father, I wouldn’t have addressed him. There’s no insult—just plain truth.”

In a surprising twist, the rapper also revealed that he was offered a staggering N200 million bribe to retract or water down his message.

“Someone claiming to be an ‘honourable’ called me, saying I was being targeted. They offered me N200 million to keep quiet. I refused. I’ve been in this game for decades—I know what I stand for. Nigeria comes first.”

Abdulkareem reiterated his long-standing advocacy for restructuring, urging for a return to regional governance and resource control. “The current system breeds corruption. We need to decentralize power, revamp the judiciary, and let states manage their resources.”

Reflecting on his journey as an activist-artist, he dismissed suggestions that he should abandon politics for commercial gain.

“I have enough to care for my family. I own a farm in Jos—though I can’t access it now because terrorists have taken over the area. Still, I won’t trade my voice for comfort. I speak for the voiceless.”

In a final message to entertainers who have chosen silence or support for the government, he didn’t hold back: “Shame on every celebrity collecting blood money while Nigerians suffer. I’ll keep speaking the truth—no matter what.”

Tell Your Papa has quickly joined the ranks of Nigeria Jaga Jaga as another anthem of resistance, resonating with millions disillusioned by Nigeria’s current state.

“Truth is a crime in Nigeria,” Abdulkareem said. “But I will continue to say it. Let them ban the song; they can’t ban the truth.”

With national unrest growing and economic despair deepening, Abdulkareem’s latest offering may have found its audience in a generation hungry for accountability and justice.