Ice Prince has finally addressed the controversy surrounding his performance at the 2026 national convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a decision that sparked significant criticism from some Nigerians online.
The rapper faced backlash after appearing at the ruling party’s convention during a period when many citizens continue to express concerns about economic hardship, rising living costs, and security challenges across the country.
For some critics, the issue wasn’t simply that he performed at a political event. It was that they believed public figures should use their influence to demand accountability from leaders rather than entertain political gatherings.
As a result, social media quickly filled with debates about the role celebrities should play in political and social issues.
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Now, Ice Prince has shared his side of the story, explaining that his decision had less to do with politics and more to do with family.
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Ice Prince Says The APC Chairman Is His Uncle
During a recent appearance on the Black Box podcast, Ice Prince addressed the criticism directly and revealed why he accepted the invitation to perform.
According to the rapper, the person who booked him for the event was not simply a political official or business associate.
Instead, it was Nentawe Yilwatda, the APC National Chairman, whom Ice Prince described as his real uncle.
Speaking on the podcast, the artist explained that the family connection played a major role in his decision to attend and perform.
He stressed that Yilwatda is not just someone he knows professionally or politically. Rather, he considers him a close family member, which made the invitation much more personal from his perspective.
That explanation adds a different layer to the discussion.
While many people initially viewed the performance strictly through a political lens, Ice Prince appears to be framing it as an event connected to family loyalty and personal relationships.
Of course, not everyone agrees with that reasoning.
The Backlash Highlighted Larger Conversations
The controversy surrounding Ice Prince’s appearance quickly grew beyond a single performance.
Many Nigerians used the moment to discuss whether entertainers should remain politically neutral or actively speak out on social issues affecting citizens.
Some critics argued that artists have powerful platforms and should use them to address concerns such as insecurity, unemployment, inflation, and governance challenges.
Others defended Ice Prince, saying that musicians often perform at events for various organizations, governments, companies, and private individuals without necessarily endorsing every policy or political position associated with those groups.
This debate isn’t unique to Nigeria.
Around the world, celebrities frequently face scrutiny whenever they perform at political events, campaign gatherings, or government-sponsored functions. Supporters often view such appearances as professional engagements, while critics sometimes interpret them as political endorsements.
That difference in perspective can create strong reactions on both sides.
Ice Prince Continues To Focus On His Music Career
Despite the criticism, Ice Prince appears to be standing by his decision and has not indicated any regret about accepting the invitation.
His comments suggest that personal relationships and family connections influenced his choice more than political considerations.
Whether that explanation satisfies critics remains to be seen. Public opinion on issues involving politics and entertainment is often deeply divided, especially during periods of economic and social challenges.
Still, the rapper’s response provides additional context that many people did not know when the controversy first emerged.
For Ice Prince, what many viewed as a political performance was, at least in part, a family matter.
And judging by the reactions online, the discussion about where celebrities fit into political conversations is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
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