Prince Tonye T.J.T Princewill, a Kalabari royal, seasoned politician, businessman, and filmmaker, currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Port Harcourt Alumni Association. Once mentored by both former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and current President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Princewill stepped back from active partisan politics in 2022 to focus on other pursuits. In this wide-ranging interview, he shares his reflections on President Tinubu’s midterm performance, the emerging political landscape ahead of 2027, his thoughts on the Rivers State crisis, and his growing footprint in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
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Q: What is your midterm assessment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration?
Princewill responded philosophically, “You want to use me to write news? No need to waste your time. My opinion doesn’t matter.” Reflecting on the value of observation over commentary, he noted that hard decisions had been made under Tinubu’s leadership—decisions that have caused considerable pain for Nigerians. But whether the pain was worth it, he emphasized, remains to be seen.
“That judgment is not due yet. We still have two years before the next election, so it’s too early to draw conclusions,” he said. “Both sides of the political divide have time to prove their worth.”
As for his own focus, he redirected attention to his work with the University of Port Harcourt Alumni Association, where he is collaborating with distinguished alumni including former President Goodluck Jonathan and various state governors.
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Q: Someone said Tinubu deserves an A1 in politics but an F9 in governance. Do you agree?
Princewill, who studied under both Atiku and Tinubu, refused to underestimate either man. “They taught me the basics of politics and governance. I was a keen student,” he said, adding that Tinubu’s reforms—though painful—were necessary and must be judged by their long-term effects.
However, he also warned: “Nigerians are docile and love life. But they can also surprise you. It only takes 20% of the people to do 80% of the work.” He concluded with a gentle reminder that his political mentors are attentive and observant, perhaps more than people realize.
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Q: You were once close to Tinubu, Atiku, and Amaechi. With Atiku and Amaechi now joining forces in the ADC against Tinubu, where does this leave you?
Laughing, Princewill pointed to his chair and said, “Right here.” Declaring his independence, he said, “They taught me well. I am my own man.”
He emphasized that he did not vote for either Tinubu or Atiku in 2023, and unless motivated by fresh ideas, he wouldn’t vote for them in 2027 either. “Nigeria’s real problem isn’t just about who is President. None of the parties—APC, PDP, or ADC—seem to understand that. If things continue the way they are, it’s business as usual, and that benefits the APC.”
Quoting Newton’s First Law of Motion, he added, “I will remain where I am unless acted upon by a force. My inertia can only be moved by conviction, not by more of the same analogue politics.”
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Q: Some believe the ADC can only challenge Tinubu if Atiku steps down and the presidency is zoned to the South. What do you think?
Princewill was candid. “The ADC needs to do far more than what we’re seeing now, even with Atiku.” While he recognized Atiku’s political capital, he questioned the coalition’s clarity of purpose. “They know what they’re against, but do they know what they stand for?”
On Atiku stepping down, he said, “Why should he? If someone wants the ticket, they should beat him in a primary. This is democracy—it’s not meant to be easy. Atiku has every right to run, just like Tinubu did.”
He pointed to a recurring pattern in Nigerian politics: “We wanted Obasanjo out, then Jonathan, then Buhari, and now Tinubu. The real problem is deeper than just the presidency.”
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Q: You’ve focused on filmmaking and business development since stepping back from politics. Will you be aligning with any political groups ahead of 2027?
For now, Princewill is focused on other priorities: his movie “77,” business ventures, and alumni leadership roles. “Politics is too important to be left to politicians,” he reiterated. “But my hands are full for now.”
That said, he hinted at a return if the political landscape changes. “We’re watching. When we see signs of seriousness, we will rise up.” He praised a recent guest on Arise TV representing the LND, saying it was the first time he sensed a real difference. Still, he cautioned, “Don’t believe in your breakfast until you have eaten it.”
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Q: What’s your take on the emergency rule declared in Rivers State?
Princewill supported it, calling it a necessary tactical move. “Things could have escalated to threaten the very foundation of this country.” While he acknowledged some actions could have been handled differently, he deferred to those with fuller information, stressing that national security decisions aren’t for casual analysis. “It was a doctrine of necessity.”
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Q: What about the recent peace process between FCT Minister Wike and Governor Fubara?
Princewill welcomed the development. “Peace is what I prayed for,” he said. He revealed that he had privately and publicly advised Governor Fubara to reconcile with Wike. “There’s no reason for father and son not to make peace. Sim should reach out, and Wike should accept him as the Governor he is.”
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Q: Shifting away from politics, tell us about your latest film project.
A decade after the critically acclaimed ’76, Princewill has produced ’77, a historical drama centered on the FESTAC ’77 cultural festival. Originally slated for 1976, the event was delayed due to the coup that inspired his previous film.
’77 premiered internationally at the Cannes Film Festival, representing Nigeria on the global stage. Princewill credited key partners like the Nigerian Film Corporation, Afrexim Bank, and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for their support. “Cannes was a filmmaker’s dream,” he said.
The film is expected to travel to major film festivals and cities across the world, including Venice, Toronto, Berlin, London, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. “There is money in entertainment,” he said. “But you must understand that firewood comes before heat.”
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This interview underscores Princewill’s shift from frontline politics to influence through thought leadership, business, and culture. Yet, his political instincts remain sharp, and his return to the political arena—should he choose it—will be one to watch.
