Ekiti Man Trends After Claiming He Borrowed N3.5 Million to Campaign for Tinubu

A man from Ekiti State, Adeleye Adeniyi, has sparked widespread reactions after revealing that he borrowed N3.5 million to support the re-election campaigns of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and two other politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Adeniyi, an Ado-Ekiti-based mini-truck driver popularly known as “Online Loan Man for BAO,” made the disclosure during an interview with journalists in a video that began circulating on social media on Friday, October 9, 2026.

During the interview, he displayed a cardboard cheque bearing the amounts he intended to contribute towards the political ambitions of the three politicians. The breakdown showed N2 million for President Tinubu, N1 million for Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and N500,000 for Ekiti State House of Assembly member Steve Fatoba.

According to Adeniyi, his decision to borrow the money was motivated by his belief in the performance of the politicians and his desire to see them return to office.

He expressed support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition, maintaining that he was willing to contribute financially and participate in campaigning ahead of the next presidential election.

The driver’s disclosure quickly attracted public attention, particularly because he said the money was borrowed rather than obtained from personal savings or disposable income.

For many observers, the revelation raised questions about the financial risks associated with borrowing money to support political candidates, especially at a time when many Nigerians are struggling with the cost of living and other economic pressures.

Others may view his decision as an expression of personal political conviction, demonstrating the lengths to which some supporters are willing to go to promote candidates they believe in.

Adeniyi reportedly explained that his support was based on what he considered the achievements of the politicians. He also praised Bamidele and Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, pointing to development efforts in areas such as education, healthcare, electricity and rural infrastructure.

Although his financial pledge has attracted attention, the circumstances surrounding the loan and whether the amounts displayed on the cardboard cheque have already been transferred to the politicians were not established in the available reports.

The incident has also revived interest in Adeniyi’s previous political activities. In February 2026, he reportedly attracted attention after borrowing money through the digital lending platform OPay to brand a vehicle in support of Oyebanji’s re-election campaign in Ekiti State.

His latest disclosure suggests that his involvement in political mobilisation extends beyond displaying support publicly, as he says he is prepared to commit borrowed funds to candidates he admires.

The development has opened up a broader conversation about political loyalty, campaign financing and the personal sacrifices supporters make during election seasons.

In a democratic society, citizens have the right to support candidates of their choice through lawful means. However, borrowing substantial amounts of money for political activities can expose individuals to financial difficulties, particularly when repayment obligations remain regardless of the outcome of an election.

Financial experts generally encourage individuals to assess their ability to repay loans before taking on debt, especially when the money is intended for activities that do not generate income.

For supporters who want to contribute to political campaigns, options such as volunteering, community mobilisation and sharing campaign information may also provide opportunities to participate without taking on significant financial obligations.

As discussions surrounding Adeniyi’s declaration continue, his story has become another example of how personal political support can attract national attention when it involves unusual financial decisions.

With the 2027 general elections approaching, political parties, candidates and supporters are expected to increase their mobilisation efforts across the country. The episode has highlighted the passion some supporters bring to the political process, while also raising questions about the financial consequences of such commitment.

Whether the public views Adeniyi’s decision as an act of loyalty or an unnecessary financial risk, the disclosure has placed him at the centre of an online conversation about politics and personal responsibility.