Popular TikTok influencer Habeeb Hamzat, better known as Peller, has seen a significant drop in his follower count on both TikTok and Instagram following comments he made about the widely popular 30-day rant challenge. His remarks have sparked controversy among his followers, leading to a major backlash.
In a video that quickly went viral, Peller expressed his concerns about Nigerians participating in the ongoing 30-day rant challenge, which involves people posting daily videos where they vent about various frustrations. Peller warned that such actions could draw unwanted attention and potentially lead to the Nigerian government imposing a ban on the TikTok app.
“If you really want to rant, go to Instagram or the market; don’t do it on TikTok,” Peller advised in the now-infamous video. “If TikTok gets banned, that will be a major problem.” His statement immediately caught the attention of viewers, with many questioning his stance on the challenge.
The influencer, who rose to fame through his engaging live TikTok videos, suggested that Nigerians should find other platforms or public spaces to express their frustrations, rather than using TikTok, which he believes could face a ban if the trend continues. Peller’s comments were seen by some as an attempt to protect his TikTok platform, which has been a primary source of his online fame.
However, Peller’s remarks did not sit well with his audience. According to a report by TVC, the influencer has lost nearly 500,000 followers on TikTok and an additional 400,000 on Instagram in the wake of his controversial comments. The sharp drop in followers signals a significant backlash, with many accusing him of trying to silence public expression.
The 30-day rant challenge has gained widespread popularity in Nigeria, with many seeing it as a way to vent frustrations and express their thoughts on various issues. Peller’s advice to avoid using TikTok for such activities was seen by some as an attempt to downplay the importance of open expression on social media, especially regarding issues facing the country.