“Most Nigerian Politicians Have No Plan B” – Ex-Rep Candidate Olumide Speaks Out

Nollywood actor and former political aspirant, Olumide Oworu, has criticised the culture of career politics in Nigeria, saying many politicians enter public office without any alternative path outside government.

Oworu made the remarks while speaking during an interview on the The Clarity Zone, where he reflected on the nature of political participation in the country and why many young Nigerians remain reluctant to get involved in governance.

The actor, who contested for a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly during the 2023 general elections, argued that politics should primarily revolve around public service and the strengthening of systems that benefit citizens.

According to him, the current political culture has distorted that purpose.

”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. 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,” he stated.

Oworu explained that when political office becomes the only source of livelihood for many politicians, it creates a dangerous environment where individuals are willing to go to extreme lengths to remain in power.

He noted that this mindset often leads to unhealthy political practices, including intense loyalty to political patrons and the influence of powerful sponsors who control access to power.

The former candidate also spoke against the growing influence of godfatherism in Nigerian politics. He argued that political mentorship should not translate into control over elected officials or determine who gets the opportunity to serve.

”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,” he added.

Oworu further stressed that Nigeria’s political environment needs structural reforms that will allow capable individuals to participate without relying on powerful backers.