TikTok Star Peller Loses Nearly 1 Million Followers After ‘30 Days Rant Challenge’ Comments
Popular Nigerian TikTok influencer Habeeb Hamzat, widely known as Peller, has found himself at the center of controversy after his remarks about the viral ‘30 Days Rant Challenge’ led to a mass unfollowing spree on social media.
Peller had previously advised Nigerians against using TikTok for the challenge, warning that it could lead to the government banning the platform. However, his cautionary remarks were not well received, as many misinterpreted them as an attempt to suppress online expression.
Backlash and Massive Unfollowing
Following his comments, angry Nigerians took to social media to express their displeasure, resulting in Peller losing close to one million followers across TikTok and Instagram. This swift reaction underscores how quickly public sentiment can shift in the digital age, especially when influencers are seen as being on the wrong side of popular opinion.
Peller’s Clarification
Reacting to the backlash, Peller clarified that he was never against the challenge but was only concerned about its potential consequences.
“Please, this boy is nobody. I’m just an ordinary citizen like you. I’m not the president or a governor,” he said in a bid to distance himself from the controversy.
Opinion: The Power of Social Media and Public Perception
This incident highlights the immense power social media users wield in shaping narratives and holding influencers accountable. In today’s digital space, a single comment—especially on sensitive social or political issues—can make or break an influencer’s standing.
While Peller may have meant well, his delivery and timing appeared off, leading to a wave of criticism. It also serves as a lesson for public figures: navigating social commentary requires tact, clarity, and an understanding of audience sentiments.
With TikTok playing an increasing role in digital activism, Nigerians have shown that they are not afraid to push back against voices they perceive as unsupportive. The question remains—will Peller be able to rebuild his following, or has the damage been done? Only time will tell.