Nigeria’s Problem Is Systemic, Not Just About Who Becomes President – Prince Tonye Princewill

Movie producer, politician, and philanthropist Prince Tonye Princewill has said that Nigeria’s core challenges go beyond the presidency, pointing instead to flaws within the entire political system.

Speaking in an interview on Arise TV, Princewill argued that Nigerians often focus blame on whoever occupies the highest office, without addressing the deeper, systemic issues plaguing governance.

“We Nigerians love to complain,” he said. “When it was Obasanjo, we wanted him out. Then it was Yar’Adua, Goodluck, Buhari—and now Tinubu. We always think the next leader will fix everything, but that’s not the solution.”

According to him, real change will only come when reforms are made across all arms of government—not just at the presidential level.

“It’s not just about the president,” he stressed. “The problem extends to governors, the National Assembly, and the judiciary. We’re facing a comprehensive, systemic failure.”

Princewill emphasized the need for visionary leadership backed by concrete ideas and long-term strategies, criticizing many current politicians for lacking both.

“I’m not here to deceive anyone, and I won’t be deceived either,” he said. “Many people in the political space aren’t addressing the real issues. Until I see leaders who are genuinely ready to confront the system’s flaws, I’ll remain on the sidelines.”

He warned that Nigeria will continue repeating the same mistakes unless there is a major shift in political thinking.

“Until we fix the system, every new leader—no matter how popular—will end up disappointing,” he concluded.