Nollywood actor and politician Olumide Oworu has suggested that the culture of corruption among many Nigerian politicians is partly driven by the way politics is treated as a lifelong profession rather than a platform for public service.
Oworu shared his views during a recent appearance on The Clarity Zone podcast, where he explained that politics, in its ideal form, should revolve around building systems that serve the interests of citizens.
According to him, many politicians in the country pursue personal recognition and benefits because they lack alternative sources of income outside politics.
He also linked the growing political apathy among young people to what he described as the “dirty politics” often associated with Nigeria’s political environment.
Oworu said, “Politics is two things – systems and service. I think the type of politics and the idea of who a politician is, is why a lot of young people shy from away from it. Because they think it is dirty and for the unexposed.
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“But on the contrary, it is for the people that are learned and well-travelled; the people that have a means. 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. The entirety of your existence is hinged on getting in to this office. The life that you envisioned for yourself and family is tied to whether you get into office or not. Which is also why you need a godfather because you are willing to do whatever it takes to get into the office. You are bringing almost not value to the table.
“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. We need to change that. What should matter should be capacity.”
Oworu previously ventured into active politics during the 2023 general elections. He contested for a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly to represent Surulere Constituency I under the Labour Party but was defeated by fellow Nollywood actor Desmond Elliott of the All Progressives Congress.
