Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu and his son, Seyi Tinubu, for additional payment following his performance at a recent All Progressives Congress (APC) rally at Onikan Stadium in Lagos.
The singer, who entertained supporters at the event, said the performance had left him exhausted and insisted that he deserved more money for the effort. Although he acknowledged receiving payment for the appearance, he argued that the physical demands of the event warranted extra compensation.
In a video circulating online, Portable was seen lying on the floor and appearing visibly tired as he called for an opportunity to see the President and Seyi Tinubu.
His manager, Babylov, urged him to get up as they prepared to leave the venue. The singer, however, continued to complain about the strain of the performance while asking for additional payment.
“I want to see Tinubu and Seyi Tinubu; they have almost squeezed me to death. I have fainted; Tinubu is winning. Did we not collect money? Tinubu, pay me more money; I am feeling so much heat,” Portable said in the video.
Portable has, on several occasions, spoken publicly about the financial expectations attached to his participation in political activities.
In September 2025, the singer said he would endorse the first presidential aspirant who paid him for his support ahead of the 2027 general election.
Portable had also expressed disappointment after meeting former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in Benin City, Edo State, in 2024.
According to his account of the encounter, Obi gave him a handshake but did not offer him money. The singer contrasted the experience with what he believed might have happened had he met Tinubu.
The singer has previously spoken positively about Seyi Tinubu, whom he credited with changing his life. He also assured Nigerians that things would improve while sending a message of support to the public.
His relationship with the President’s political camp has not always been without disagreements over performance arrangements.
Following Tinubu’s inauguration concert, Portable claimed he declined an offer of ₦5 million to perform because the amount allocated to him had been reduced. He maintained at the time that he had been actively campaigning for Tinubu but was dissatisfied with the proposed fee.
