Olumide Oworu Criticises Career Politicians in Nigeria

Olumide Oworu says Nigerian politicians treat politics as a career, causing corruption; urges focus on service and capacity, not godfatherism

Nollywood actor-turned-politician Olumide Oworu has criticised Nigerian politicians for treating politics as a career, arguing that this mindset fuels corruption and erodes public trust.

Also read: Olumide Oworu Speaks Out on Joining Partisan Politics

Speaking on The Clarity Zone podcast, Oworu said politics should be about creating systems that serve the people rather than self-aggrandisement. He attributed political apathy among youth to the prevalence of what he described as “dirty politics.”

“Politics is two things systems and service. But in Nigeria, it has become a career for many. Career politicians do whatever it takes to gain office because their entire existence depends on it,” Oworu said. He added that godfatherism is a direct consequence of this career-driven approach.

Oworu, who contested in the 2023 Lagos State House of Assembly election for Surulere 1 under the Labour Party but lost to Desmond Elliott of the APC, emphasised that capacity, not connections, should define political leadership.

Also read: Burna Boy’s Rolls-Royce Allegedly Damaged at Immigration Office

“Politics should be about service and capacity, not survival or loyalty to godfathers. We need a shift in mindset if governance is to improve,” he said.