The Presidency is a political thriller that premiered in cinemas in Nigeria on February 21, 2025. Directed by Sampson Afolabi-Johnson, known for his work on M-Net’s award-winning series ‘Tinsel,’ The Presidency delves into the intricate dynamics of political ambition and power struggles within Nigeria’s political landscape.
The Premise
The Presidency follows Madam Ireti, a gubernatorial candidate for the ruling UPM party, who receives an anonymous offer from Jaiyola, who goes by ‘Jay’, the leader of the Progressive Circle gang, urging her to run for president instead. With $3 billion in backing, Jay promises to support her campaign, but his gang has a bigger agenda—taking down the corrupt political elite.
Jay’s group infiltrates the system and blackmails four powerful politicians, including the sitting president, Mallam Hassan, and Babatunde, a key figure in their corrupt dealings. They demand ten days of uninterrupted electricity, two refineries brought back to life, and a 50% salary slash for political officeholders. Babatunde laughs off their threats until they present damning evidence of oil theft and civilian deaths, forcing his compliance. He takes it to the others, but the president dismisses the danger.
After two months without compliance, the gang leaks the document and kidnaps the grandchildren of three of the politicians. Panic sets in as Mazi Somadina and Otunba Olatobore try to meet the demands, but the president eliminates them instead and hires his trusted fixer, Oscar, to track the gang and recover his grandchildren.
Meanwhile, UPM mocks Ireti’s presidential ambitions, forcing her to switch to the struggling Dawn Alliance party. With Jay’s financial support, her campaign gains unexpected momentum, unsettling the establishment. UPM launches smear campaigns, but she pushes on.
Spoilers Below – Jump to Cast and Performances to skip spoilers
Oscar’s pursuit leads to a deadly clash with Jay, resulting in the death of Ireti’s campaign manager, Agatha, who was also Jay’s lover. A high-stakes car chase follows, but Oscar escapes. Devastated, Ireti considers quitting, but Jay convinces her to continue. When Oscar uncovers a final secret, the president orders Ireti’s assassination—only to walk into a trap himself. In the end, Ireti rises to power, Babatunde is arrested, and the president meets a shocking fate. But one figure remains standing. Who? You’ll have to watch to find out.
Cast and Performances
Fadekemi Olumide-Aluko shines as Madam Ireti, delivering a nuanced performance that captures the personal sacrifices intertwined with political ambition. She embodies her role as a formidable political figure, exuding strength and resilience, making her portrayal near-inspirational.
Arikmun Mallum Arik steps into the role of Jay, the leader of a revolutionary group determined to bring about change. While his acting is commendable, his emotional depth in some scenes feels slightly underwhelming. The chemistry between them is evident, but given their relationship, there was room for more emotional weight.
Aderonke Onuoha, as Agatha, seamlessly inserts herself into the narrative as Ireti’s campaign manager and Jay’s lover. Their relationship is believable, adding an emotional layer to the story that heightens the stakes as events unfold.
Magaji Mijinyawa plays Mallam Hassan, the sitting president. While he delivers a solid performance, it does feel like the role could have been better suited for another member of the cast. Watching him, one can’t help but wonder if a recast or a switch within the ensemble might have brought a stronger presence to the character.
Gideon Okeke, on the other hand, stands out as Oscar, the president’s fixer. He delivers a compelling performance, fully embodying his character with sharp precision. His stunt work and fight sequences are particularly impressive, adding intensity to his scenes.
Antar Laniyan, Patrick Doyle, and Akin Lewis take on the roles of Otunba Olatobore, Mazi Somadina, and Babatunde, respectively. They convincingly portray seasoned politicians, capturing power struggles and moral conflicts in a corrupt system with depth and authenticity.
Other notable actors such as Jide Kosoko, Yemi Blaq, and Habiba Zocksock further enrich the film’s political intrigue, adding depth to a story that thrives on deception, power plays, and ambition.
What I liked About The Movie
The film authentically portrays Nigeria’s political landscape, delivering a gripping reflection on power, corruption, and the fight for change. The ensemble cast delivers stellar performances, breathing life into their characters in a way that makes the story feel both real and urgent. From backroom deals to moments of raw emotion, every scene carries weight, pulling viewers deeper into the high-stakes world of politics.
The screenplay does an excellent job of capturing the tension and ethical dilemmas that come with political ambition, making for a thought-provoking experience. It doesn’t just tell a story—it forces the audience to confront uncomfortable truths about governance and power struggles.
Beyond the narrative, the cinematography deserves praise, particularly in how it captures both the grandeur of political influence and the grittiness of underground dealings. The directing, especially in the car chase and fight sequences, brings an intensity that surpasses the typical Nollywood action standard. The choreography is sharp, the camera work dynamic, and the pacing relentless, signalling a significant step forward in the industry’s approach to modern action storytelling.
This isn’t just another political drama; it’s a film that feels timely, bold, and unafraid to push boundaries.
What Did Not Work
While the film excels in many areas, some viewers might find certain plot developments predictable. There are moments where you can almost guess what’s coming next, which slightly dulls the tension. However, these shortcomings don’t take away from the overall impact—it still delivers a gripping and meaningful story.
That said, one lingering gap in Nollywood’s portrayal of politics remains: the full depth and realism of the political world. Unlike Hollywood, which often captures the intricate machinery of governance—the endless meetings, bureaucratic chaos, intelligence operations, and political manoeuvring—Nollywood’s depiction still feels surface-level. More often than not, the president is portrayed as just a wealthy man with a security detail, missing the complexities that truly define high-level political offices. Is this a budget constraint? A lack of research? Or simply an unwillingness to dive into the gritty details? Nollywood has yet to master this, but the film makes a commendable effort to push in the right direction.
Final Thoughts
The Presidency is a bold and timely political action thriller that dares to hold up a mirror to Nigeria’s reality. With a compelling storyline, strong performances, and impressive action sequences, the film pushes the boundaries of what Nollywood can achieve in the political thriller genre. While it retains some clichés, the film makes commendable strides in depicting power struggles, corruption, and the fight for change.
The film’s biggest strength lies in its ability to spark conversation—about governance, about the role of money in politics, and about the sacrifices required for true leadership. It’s engaging, thought-provoking, and at times, eerily reflective of real-life events. Despite a few predictable moments, The Presidency is a film worth watching, not just for entertainment but for the dialogue it encourages.
How Would I Rate This Movie
I’ll rate this movie 4/5
Have you seen The Presidency? What are your thoughts on its portrayal of Nigeria’s political landscape? Share your insights in the comments below.
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