They Think It Is Dirty And For The Unexposed — Actor Olumide Oworu On Reason Behind Political Apathy Among Youths

Actor Olumide Oworu, has spoken up on the increase in political apathy among the youths, and the state of Nigerian politics in general.

Olumide Oworu who is now involved in politics explained some of the intricacies, particularly in the Nigerian scene in a recent episode of the Clarity Zone podcast, where he stated that politics comprises of "systems and service."

According to him, Nigerian politics is "dirty and exposed," hence the rising apathy among young individuals.

Explaining his stance on politics, Oworu stated that many Nigerians have misinterpreted politics as a career, but instead it is supposed to be a service. He revealed that many struggle to do everything it takes just to get into office, with little or no plans to serve the populace.

He further expressed his disdain with godfatherism, maintaining that capacity should be the criteria to win an election.

He 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.

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 no 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 class of politics we practice. We need to change that. What should matter should be capacity.”