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Nollywood’s latest political drama, The Exco, boasts a cast filled with industry heavyweights, including Deyemi Okanlawon, Jide Kosoko, Bimbo Akintola, Ronke Oshodi-Oke, Femi Branch, and Scarlet Gomez. The film promises an intricate look at the power plays and challenges of governance in a fictional Nigerian state. Unfortunately, the execution leaves much to be desired.
Plot Overview: Political Ambitions Lost in Subplots
The story centres on Bode Santos, the Governor of the fictional Adun State, who faces numerous political hurdles that continually derail his plans for the state’s development. The primary conflict revolves around a contentious road construction project, with several characters jostling to gain control and influence.
While the premise has potential, the narrative quickly becomes muddled by numerous subplots. Rather than enhancing the story, these additional threads distract from the main arc. Some subplots show promise, but many appear as filler, leaving viewers unsure of the film’s purpose or message. At several points, it feels as if the movie never truly begins, creating a disjointed experience that can be frustrating to follow.
Deyemi Okanlawon as Governor Santos
Deyemi Okanlawon delivers a solid performance as Governor Santos. He portrays the governor’s ambition, frustration, and political navigation convincingly. However, the choice of the name “Santos” for a governor representing a Yoruba-inspired state felt out of place, raising questions about the film’s attention to cultural detail.
Despite Okanlawon’s effort, the supporting cast struggles to make an impact. Veteran actors such as Jide Kosoko, Femi Branch, and Nobert Young, while talented, are underutilized. Their presence does little to elevate the story, and some performances feel disconnected from the movie’s central conflict. It’s a missed opportunity, particularly for younger audiences who may not resonate with the acting style of Nollywood’s older generation.
A Cautionary Note on Political Narratives
One of the major challenges with The Exco is its heavy focus on political storytelling. While political dramas can succeed, Nollywood directors should consider whether such narratives appeal to the average viewer. Stories about politicians maneuvering for power—Senators, Governors, and Presidents battling each other—may not capture the interest of audiences seeking entertainment, escapism, or relatable drama. Nigerian viewers often prefer themes involving witchcraft, market life, street hustle, or cultural celebrations like Owanbe parties, which tend to resonate more broadly.
Visuals and Production: Expectations Unmet
The film’s production quality also falls short. Given Deyemi Okanlawon’s involvement, expectations were high for visually striking cinematography. Instead, the colour grading and overall picture quality feel underwhelming. One scene using Artificial Intelligence to generate a crowd looks awkward and noticeably fake. This approach fails to immerse the viewer and highlights a missed opportunity. Shooting at a real-life political rally would have offered authenticity at little cost, given the frequency of local campaigns across Nigeria.
The costumes, however, deserve recognition. The Agbada and Owanbe outfits are well-executed and visually appealing, reflecting Nollywood’s ongoing strength in traditional wardrobe styling. Yet, even these details are not enough to save a film struggling with narrative coherence.
Final Thoughts: Disconnected, Confusing, and Hard to Follow
The Exco is a film that tries to tackle complex political dynamics but ends up overwhelming the audience with too many competing storylines. The disjointed plot, underutilized cast, and technical shortcomings make it difficult to stay engaged. While there are moments of promise, particularly in costume design and Deyemi Okanlawon’s central performance, they are not enough to compensate for the film’s broader weaknesses.
Ultimately, the movie feels unfocused and lacks the emotional or narrative impact needed to hold viewers’ attention from start to finish. For those looking for engaging Nollywood entertainment, The Exco falls short when compared to the variety of options available today.
Rating: 4/10
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