Popular TikTok influencer Habeeb Hamzat, widely known as Peller, has suffered a significant drop in his social media following after making controversial comments about the ongoing 30-day rant challenge.

The challenge, which has gained massive traction among Nigerians, allows participants to express their frustrations about governance and societal issues through daily rants on TikTok.

However, Peller, in a widely circulated video, warned against the challenge, arguing that it could prompt the Nigerian government to ban TikTok in the country.

“If you really want to rant, go to Instagram or the market; don’t do it on TikTok. If TikTok gets banned, that will be a major problem,” Peller said in the viral clip.

His remarks sparked an immediate backlash, with many social media users accusing him of trying to silence the voice of the youth.

Within hours of his statement, Peller experienced a drastic decline in his follower count, reportedly losing hundreds of thousands of followers across TikTok and Instagram.

The mass unfollowing was seen as a direct response to what many described as an “insensitive” and “tone-deaf” take on a movement that has given Nigerians a platform to speak out against pressing issues.

Peller, who is known for his live TikTok sessions, was further criticized for attempting to dictate how people should express their grievances.

Social media users wasted no time in voicing their displeasure, with many calling for others to unfollow him as well.

A user identified as osas3857 commented, “Let’s take off more followers, so he can donate more.”

Another, EzekweFred-x7v, wrote, “Let more followers go so that he may donate more.”

Realshowbiz112 stated, “Very insensitive statement from him about the rant challenge… I like him but I unfollowed too.”

Meanwhile, a user named florenceita8397 took the criticism even further, saying, “Naija people fit love you oo, but eeh… if dem hate you, you are gone. Sensitive matters like this… Peller should know better. Thankfully, me I no kuku follow Peller because, to me, he is not even funny. And that Ikorodu juju wey dem allegedly do for am so that people go love him, no fit catch me.”

The fallout from Peller’s remarks highlights the growing influence of social media activism in Nigeria, particularly among young people who see TikTok as a powerful platform for social change.

The 30-day rant challenge has become a viral trend, with thousands of Nigerians participating to express their frustration over issues such as economic hardship, insecurity, corruption, and poor governance.

Many believe that the challenge gives them an outlet to voice their concerns without fear of censorship, making Peller’s comments even more controversial.

Some critics argue that his statement aligns with efforts to suppress online activism, while others see it as a misguided attempt to protect TikTok from potential government restrictions.

Despite the backlash, Peller has yet to make any public statement addressing the controversy or the massive loss of followers.

Some of his loyal fans have defended him, arguing that his warning about a potential TikTok ban was taken out of context.

However, the majority of social media users remain unimpressed, insisting that his comments reflect a lack of understanding of the frustration many Nigerians are feeling.

As the debate continues, the 30-day rant challenge shows no signs of slowing down, with more users joining the movement daily.

Whether Peller will regain his followers or continue to face the consequences of his comments remains to be seen.