‘Politics is not supposed to be a career’ – Actor Olumide Oworu

Nollywood Actor Olumide Oworu Calls for Political Reform in Nigeria

Nollywood actor and political aspirant Olumide Oworu has attributed widespread corruption among Nigerian politicians to a perception of politics as a career rather than a form of public service.

In a recent episode of “The Clarity Zone” podcast, Oworu emphasized that politics should center around establishing systems that fulfill the needs of the populace. He expressed concern that many Nigerian politicians prioritize personal gain, often viewing political positions as their sole means of livelihood.

Oworu also highlighted the disconnection between the political landscape and the youth, suggesting that political apathy among young people derives from the negative reputation of “dirty politics” in Nigeria.

“Politics is two things—systems and service,” Oworu stated. “The prevailing notion of who a politician is often deters young people from engaging in politics. They perceive it as a dirty field, reserved for the uneducated.”

He continued, “In reality, politics should attract those who are educated and well-traveled—individuals with diverse means of support. Unfortunately, many view politics as a career path, which creates challenges. The existence of career politicians fuels the desire to do whatever it takes to secure office, often at the expense of ethical standards.”

Oworu criticized the prevalence of political patronage, commonly referred to as “godfatherism,” suggesting it discourages meaningful contributions from aspiring politicians. “Capacity should be the primary consideration in politics,” he said. “The current political culture needs transformation.”

Previously, Oworu ran for a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly, representing the Surulere 1 constituency under the Labour Party during the 2023 elections but was defeated by Desmond Elliott of the All Progressives Congress.

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