For many Nigerians, politics has long been associated with power, privilege and personal gain. But Nollywood actor and former legislative candidate Olumide Oworu believes the root of the country’s deep-seated political problems lies in one troubling mindset treating politics as a lifelong career rather than a platform for service.
Speaking candidly during a recent episode of The Clarity Zone podcast, the actor-turned-politician argued that Nigeria’s political system has been weakened by individuals who enter public office not to serve but to sustain their livelihoods.
Oworu said the idea that politics should be a permanent profession has fueled corruption and unhealthy competition for power.
According to the Nollywood star, the essence of politics is to build systems that improve people’s lives, not to create opportunities for personal enrichment.
“Politics is two things systems and service,” he said during the conversation. “The type of politics we practice and the perception of who a politician is have made many young people avoid it because they think it is dirty or meant for the unexposed.”
Oworu insisted that the opposite should be the case. In his view, politics should attract individuals who are educated, exposed and financially stable enough to serve without relying on political office for survival.
He argued that when politicians depend entirely on holding office to sustain their lifestyle, it creates pressure to win elections by any means necessary.
Oworu explained that many politicians pursue power relentlessly because they lack alternative sources of income or career paths outside politics.
According to him, this reality creates what he described as “career politicians” individuals whose entire existence depends on winning elections.
“When politics becomes your only option, you will do whatever it takes to get into office,” he said. “The life you envision for yourself and your family becomes tied to whether you get that position or not.”
He added that such desperation often encourages unethical practices and compromises that undermine governance.
Oworu also addressed the controversial issue of political godfatherism, a long-standing feature of Nigeria’s political landscape.
He said the desperation to secure political office often pushes aspiring politicians to align themselves with powerful sponsors who can influence electoral outcomes.
“I don’t think godfatherism should exist in politics,” he said. “But sadly, a lot of politicians have godfathers because of the style of politics we practice.”
According to him, the system must evolve to prioritize competence and capacity over political patronage.
“What should matter should be capacity,” he stressed.
Oworu believes the current political climate has discouraged many young Nigerians from participating in governance.
He said the perception of politics as corrupt and manipulative has created widespread apathy among the youth, despite their growing interest in shaping the country’s future.
The actor argued that rebuilding trust in the system requires redefining what leadership represents.
Oworu’s comments carry added weight given his own attempt to transition from entertainment into public service.
During the 2023 general elections, he contested for a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Surulere 1 constituency under the Labour Party.
However, he lost the race to fellow actor and incumbent lawmaker Desmond Elliott of the All Progressives Congress.
Despite the defeat, Oworu has continued to speak openly about political reform and the need for a new generation of leaders motivated by service rather than personal ambition.
His latest remarks reignite an ongoing national debate about whether Nigeria’s political system can truly change and what kind of leaders it will take to make that transformation possible.