Former President Muhammadu Buhari and Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan emerged as the most searched Nigerian personalities in 2025, according to Google’s Year in Search report released on Thursday.
The report highlights how Nigerians used the internet to track political developments, follow cultural trends and engage with news and entertainment throughout the year.
The death of former President Buhari triggered one of the largest spikes in search activity.
Users sought information on his political career, presidency and legacy.
Other notable deaths, including Super Eagles legend Peter Rufai, Pope Francis and international footballer Diogo Jota, also drew attention, reflecting a year marked by public interest in prominent figures who passed away.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan ranked as the most searched living Nigerian personality, with Google noting “unprecedented public interest” in her political activities and leadership profile.
Her online prominence underscored growing public engagement with political debates and leadership developments in the country.
In entertainment, Nollywood director Kemi Adetiba was among the most searched personalities, driven by the popularity of her series To Kill a Monkey, which became the most searched local show of the year.
Gospel artist Tkeyz also captured attention with his hit song “Jesus Is Enough”, followed by Fido’s “Joy Is Coming” and the collaboration between Davido and Omah Lay on “With You”.
Commenting on the findings, Communications and Public Affairs Manager for Google West Africa, Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, said, “The 2025 Year in Search is a vibrant reflection of what Nigerians paid attention to. From major headlines and global conflicts to new slang and cooking trends, Nigerians used Search to explore the world around them.”
The report described the results as an “unfiltered mirror of collective attention,” showing how Nigerians engaged with politics, news, culture and entertainment throughout 2025.
