- In a soul-baring interview, Chioma Akpotha shared the gripping story of how she was reluctantly drawn into the ambitious project Seven Doors by Femi Adebayo, despite her paralyzing fears and initial refusal.
- The actress revealed that she was deeply hesitant to accept the lead role, torn apart by fears rooted in Nigeria’s volatile tribal and political landscape.
- For her, the stakes were not just professional—they were personal, and the potential backlash felt too overwhelming to risk.
Buzzing Nollywood star Chioma Akpotha recently opened up in a riveting interview, shedding light on the intense fears and personal battles she faced before joining the cast of Femi Adebayo’s much-anticipated Netflix original, Seven Doors.
The film, celebrated globally for its gripping storyline and stellar cast, has captured hearts worldwide, but for Chioma, stepping into the project was far more than just another acting gig—it was a leap of faith into uncharted and deeply unsettling territory.
Speaking alongside Femi Adebayo, Chioma revealed that when the award-winning actor and filmmaker initially approached her for the lead role, she was consumed by anxiety and refused outright.
Her apprehension wasn’t rooted in the script or the scale of the production, but in the fiery political climate that had engulfed Nigeria following the contentious 2023 presidential elections.
Chioma, a vocal supporter of Labour Party’s Peter Obi, confessed that her decision not to vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu left her fearful of potential backlash, especially from Yoruba audiences.
According to her, when Femi Adebayo mentioned that the film would be shot in Ijebu, her apprehension deepened. The thought of working in a Yoruba-dominated region, considering the political divide, was daunting to her.
Chioma added that when she finally agreed to Femi’s proposal after persistent cajoling, her fears vanished as soon as she joined the set.
WATCH HER SPEAK IN CLIP BELOW