Five Nigerian films on Election and Politics You Should See This Weekend

Mohammadu Buhari is on his way out as the president of Nigeria. However, Nigerians are not very sure who will be succeeding him. At least, not today.

While the anticipation is palpable, one thing that is obvious leading to the 2023 general elections is this: Nigerians are becoming more aware of their own political space and becoming more educated on the country’s political history and realities to elect the right leaders.

The Nigerian film industry is not an outsider where politics is concerned because Nollywood movies have dramatized democracy hilariously and tragically. Here are five films about Nigeria’s political experience that you should watch as Nigerians perform their civic duties:

“IF I AM PRESIDENT”

If I Am President, written, directed, and produced by Bright Wonder Obasi, follows the journey of a young, middle-class Nigerian man as he runs and campaigns for the highest office in the land.

Zinachi “Zina” Ohams is the idealistic presidential candidate of the Nigerian Rebirth Party, a brand-new party formed by young, motivated civil society members. Zina, along with his family and campaign team, is dealing with assassination attempts, false accusations, smear campaigns, and systemic disenfranchisement.

Nonetheless, he maintains his integrity and works hard, refusing to sink to the level of the opposing politicians. The question is whether his method is viable.

The cast includes veterans such as Ayo Ayoola, Bimbo Manuel, Joke Silva as a professor hoping to be Nigeria’s first female president, and Rekiya Ibrahim Atta as a former presidential candidate who withdraws from the race to join Zina’s team.

The movie is available on YouTube.

Watch the trailer here.

“4TH REPUBLIC”

The 2019 Nigerian political thriller film 4th Republic was directed by Ishaya Bako and produced by Griot Studios. The movie features notable actors such as Kate Henshaw, Enyinna Nwigwe, Sani Muazu, and Linda Ejiofor, among others, and is set in Nigeria.

The film’s plot centers around Mabel King, a young and idealistic female politician portrayed by Kate Henshaw, who aims to be the first female governor in her state. Her aspirations for a successful campaign are crushed when election violence erupts, and the election results are invalidated.

To expose the corrupt politicians and influential individuals behind the violence and ensure justice, Mabel sets out on a risky mission. In doing so, she discovers the harsh realities of Nigerian politics, including bribery, intimidation, and violence.

4th Republic is a captivating and thought-provoking film that spotlights Nigeria’s electoral violence and corruption issues. The movie received critical acclaim for its outstanding performances, focused direction, and socially relevant commentary. It is a must-see for anyone interested in Nigerian politics or political thrillers.

Available on Netflix.

Watch the trailer here.

“YOUR EXCELLENCY”

“Your Excellency” is a Nigerian comedy film that was released in 2019. It was directed by Funke Akindele and produced by EbonyLife Films.

The plot revolves around the antics of a self-absorbed, inept businessperson named Chief Olalekan Ajadi, played by Akin Lewis, who decides to run for Governor of Lagos State. The film boasts an impressive cast, including Funke Akindele, Kemi Lala Akindoju, Shaffy Bello, Kunle Coker, and many others.

Akindele also stars as Ajadi’s wife, and the story revolves around their amusing misadventures during the political campaign. Your Excellency uses satire to examine Nigerian politics and the issues faced by the electorate. The movie received positive reviews from both critics and audiences, who appreciated its humor and commentary on Nigerian politics.

Overall, Your Excellency is a lighthearted and entertaining movie that highlights the absurdity of Nigerian politics and will make viewers laugh.

Available on Netflix

Watch the trailer here.

“KING OF BOYS”

The 2018 film King of Boys and its 2021 sequel series, King of Boys: The Return of the King, follow the political ambitions of Alhaja Eniola Salami, a philanthropist and businessperson who is also a danger to herself.

She rules over “boys” who are thugs. She controls the Lagos State underworld as the king of boys, using it as a tool for securing and stealing elections. “KOB” is a delightfully entertaining show. Furthermore, it is written in such a way that the character, Alhaja Eniola, is a likable character even though she’s far from what the people would want realistically.

The Netflix original premiered in 2018. It is one of Nigeria’s most successful box-office films in recent years. Kemi Adetiba co-produced and directed “KOB,” which stars Sola Sobowale, Toni Tones, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Deyemi Okanlawon, and Akin Lewis.

It is currently available on Netflix.

Watch the trailer here.

“LOVE IS WAR”

This is the perfect film for a transition – from love and romance that typified valentine’s atmosphere to the issue at hand: the 2023 general elections.

The film depicts a conflict between a husband and wife who both win nominations as candidates for the two major parties in an upcoming gubernatorial election, and how they maintain their relationship in the face of impending chaos.

Love is War, directed by Omoni Oboli and written by Chinaza Onuzo, is a 2019 Nigerian political drama film. It stars Omoni Oboli, Richard Mofe-Damijo, and Jide Kosoko and is produced by Inkblot Productions. It is currently available on Netflix.

Watch the trailer here.