Nollywood actor-turned-politician Olumide Oworu has attributed the widespread corruption among Nigerian politicians to the perception of politics as a full-time career rather than a platform for service.
Oworu remarked upon a recent episode of The Clarity Zone podcast, where he spoke about the structure of politics in Nigeria and the factors discouraging young people from participating in governance.
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According to the former actor, politics should fundamentally revolve around building systems that improve people’s lives and serve the public interest. However, he argued that many politicians in Nigeria approach the system differently, focusing more on personal gain and political survival than on public service.
He explained that the idea of “career politicians” contributes significantly to corruption because some individuals depend entirely on political positions for their livelihood.
“Politics is two things, systems and service,” Oworu said. “I think the type of politics and the idea of who a politician is, is why a lot of young people shy away from it. They think it is dirty and meant for the unexposed.”
He stressed that politics should ideally attract educated, exposed, and financially independent individuals who already have stable careers outside the political space. According to him, such individuals are less likely to compromise their values or engage in unethical practices simply to secure political office.
Oworu noted that when politicians have no alternative means of income, they become desperate to win elections at all costs.
“Politics is not supposed to be a career. But it is for a lot of people in Nigeria and that is the issue. We have career politicians and that is the problem. Because you are going to do whatever it takes to get into office because you have no plan B,” he explained.
He added that the pressure to maintain a certain lifestyle and provide for family members can push some politicians to cling to power or engage in questionable practices to remain in office.
“The entirety of your existence is hinged on getting into this office. The life that you envisioned for yourself and family is tied to whether you get into office or not,” he said.
The actor also criticised the culture of political godfatherism in Nigeria, stating that it thrives largely because of the desperate nature of career politicians who rely on powerful sponsors to secure electoral victory.
Oworu maintained that the practice undermines merit and competence in governance, insisting that leadership positions should be determined by capacity rather than political patronage.
“I don’t think that godfatherism should be in politics but sadly, a lot of politicians have godfathers because of the style of politics we practice. What should matter should be capacity,” he added.
The politician also linked the low participation of Nigerian youths in politics to the perception that the political system is corrupt and dominated by questionable practices.
Oworu previously contested for a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly, representing the Surulere 1 constituency under the Labour Party during the 2023 general elections.
However, he lost the election to fellow Nollywood actor Desmond Elliott, who ran on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
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