Cross Okonkwo, the reality TV star, is on the receiving end of a heated backlash on Twitter after endorsing Atiku Abubakar for the 2023 presidency.
On Wednesday, the former BBNaija housemate declared his support for Atiku in what seemed like an endorsement.
He also said he had spoken with the former vice-president before proceeding to ask who the public thought would be the politician’s running partner.
“Had a quick chat with my dad, Atiku. He’s so funny guys. Who do you think his Vp will be? Just thinking out loud,” he wrote.
Had a quick chat with my dad @atiku his so funny guys. Who do you think his Vp will be 🤔🤔 just thinking 💭 out loud pic.twitter.com/aiisZNh5Lo
— Cross Okonkwo (@crossdabossike) June 1, 2022
A huge number of Twitter users, however, slammed the reality star, with some alleging “brown envelopes” have changed hands.
When money don enter some Igbo men hand, them fit betray their own blood , exactly Wetin this efulefu(cross) dey do
— Mckay (@Tableshaker11) June 2, 2022
Really not a fan of atiku or cross either, but most of you wailing under his comment section don't even have your pvc to vote for the person you claim to be a better candidate. Mtcheeeew these are the issues Twitter isn't reality
— just surviving (@DikeCynthia20) June 2, 2022
I never knew Cross’s dad is Atiku, wow!
— TIFE🇬🇧🌚 (@ZeekiHodl) June 1, 2022
😂😂😂😂😂😂 some people have forgotten their real father oooo Now they Adopt and addressed them as “my father,his funny” political Jobbers and their grammar Stomach infrastructures na your mate?? https://t.co/oF7juATVaN
— Dr.Solution😘 (@Emeka_DKing) June 2, 2022
Cross said, to the wolves I send you CrossNation 😭😭😭😭#CrossOkonkwo #Crossdabossike https://t.co/Qi9Q5ZmcsO
— Tshawekazi👑✨ (@Aveewear1) June 2, 2022
You were mostly drunk in the BBN house, not surprised. https://t.co/xMxG2pu4Yn
— PJ (@PrinceChi02) June 2, 2022
In his reaction, Pere defended Cross while saying that his 2021 BBNaija colleague is at liberty to choose his preferred candidate.
“Cross is free just like every Nigerian citizen to support whoever he feels. Everyone should have a choice and support whoever they want. Period. No apologies,” Pere wrote on Twitter.
Cross is free just like every Nigerian citizen to support whoever he feels. Everyone should have a choice and support whoever they want. Period. No apologies.
— Pere Egbi ✊🏾 (@PereEgbi) June 1, 2022
I’m sorry but Cross is very dumb lol,and his fans should stop defending nonsense Lmaooo
Remove Bbn stanship and see the nuisance you are stanning
If he loves atiku or whatever fucking keep it on your gallery https://t.co/7zgCRQFe8W
— Mrs.Umoh jr🥺⚜️❤️ (@OdogwuToke) June 1, 2022
Abubakar was elected as the PDP presidential candidate at the party’s primary held on Saturday in Abuja.
Given the rather fragile state of the nation, there have been mixed feelings among the youth about re-electing as president politicians who have served in public office in the past.
Earlier, Eniola Badmus, the actress, and Brymo, the singer, came under criticism for endorsing Bola Tinubu who is aged 70.