From Efe to Imisi, how survivor stories, ‘pity card’ have become BBNaija’s winning formula

Big Brother Naija Season 10 may have ended with Imisi’s triumphant win on Sunday night, but the conversation is far from over.

Social media is still buzzing as fans dissect the finale, with heated arguments over whether Imisi’s victory was earned or emotionally engineered.

Supporters of Faith, the disqualified contestant many believed had the strongest fan base, insist he would have clinched the prize if not for his exit. Others argue that Imisi merely played into a familiar “pity-driven” storytelling pattern, defining several past winners.

The debate took another turn when Laycon, the 2020 BBNaija Lockdown champion, was brought into the discussion. His name revived old conversations about voting psychology in the show’s history, with critics claiming that Nigerian audiences often gravitate toward underdogs with emotional backstories rather than contestants who project confidence, intellect, or charisma.

“But Nigerians are so gullible. How can someone build her entire fan base on a village girl’s fake personality and win? In big 2025?” Olori said in an X post, quoting Imisi’s celebration post after the grand finale.

 

Another X user responded by listing Laycon and Imisi among housemates who relied on pity before emerging as winners. “Same old strategy every year keeps winning,” David Pattt said.

‘Pity card’

As the discussion grew, BBNaija fans referenced Laycon’s clash with Erica in the 2020 BBNaija house, where Erica hurled insults at him, calling him “ugly” and “mopstick.”

Although Laycon didn’t respond to Erica’s insults, social media users insisted he gained sympathy from the fight until he became the winner.

In Season 10, viewers compared that moment to Imisi’s emotional confession about not coming from a wealthy background, her inability to afford wigs and clothes like other female housemates, and her story about losing her son to a toxic relationship with her ex-lover.

What began as a simple comparison soon became a heated debate as netizens shifted focus to determine the most outstanding BBNaija winner based on final vote margins.

Supporters of Laycon (2020 winner) and Imisi (2025 winner) went into detailed analyses, arguing over who truly deserved the title of the best winner.

In the 2020 BBNaija Lockdown Edition, Laycon secured victory with 60 per cent of the votes, while his closest rivals, Dorothy, Nengi, Neo, and Vee garnered 21.85 per cent, 25.03 per cent, 1.94 per cent, and 1.18 per cent, respectively.

Data speak

Meanwhile, Imisi clinched the BBNaija 10/10 grand prize with 42.8 per cent of the total votes, a comfortable lead over Dede and Koyin, who polled 15.94 per cent and 15.23 per cent, respectively.

Sultana followed with 7.94 per cent, while Kola secured 5.48 per cent. The remaining housemates, Jason Jae, Mensan, Isabella, and Kaybobo, recorded between 1 and 4 per cent of the votes.

Across the show’s nineteen-year history, Laycon (2020) remains the most dominant winner with 60 per cent, followed by Efe Ejeba (2017) with 57.61 per cent, Katung Aduwak (2006) with 51.3 per cent, Whitemoney (2021) with 46.52 per cent, and Imisi (2025) rounding out the top five with 42.8 per cent.

Other notable winners include Mercy Eke (2019), who scored 41.77 per cent; Phyna (2022), who scored 40.74 per cent; Miracle Igbokwe (2018), who scored 38.18 per cent; Kellyrae (2024), who scored 35.95 per cent; and Ilebaye (2023), who scored 30.08 per cent.

Sentimental voting

In three out of ten seasons (2020, 2017 and 2006) in BBNaija history, the winners got over half the final votes.

Also, of the 10 winners in BBNaija history, only seven won by a 40 per cent margin of total votes.

The voting data suggests Big Brother Naija winners with emotional or relatable storylines tend to attract the widest support. Over the years, viewers have shown a soft spot for contestants who embody humility, vulnerability, or a “grass-to-grace” journey, which critics often call the pity card.

While bolder, more outspoken housemates usually dominate social media, the final votes consistently favour those who strike an emotional chord.

Many argue Imisi’s win is another reminder that sentiment and sob stories still beat strategy in the Big Brother house.