In this episode, we pick the brains of an ex-APC insider Tabia Princewill (@TabiaPrincewill) , a former editor of The Guardian. She runs us through her journey as a returning diasporan, her entry into Nigerian politics in 2011, her awakening as a leftist and her experiences within the Nigerian government.

With the unique perspective of a Marxist who worked within Buhari's government and Lagos State's government she shines a light on her disillusionments and the lessons learned from her experience.

Standing at the intersection of gender dynamic awareness, class consciousness and ethnic politics in Nigeria, she gives a very particular and interesting view into the gears and inner workings behind the federal and state government structures.

What does progressivism really mean in Nigeria? How complicit is everyone in the perpetuation of the system? Does entryism work to change the system ever? How "socialist" was Buhari's government? What is the worth of the best intentions within the party system? Listen and find out in our latest episode.

In our latest episode, we host the the amazing PoliticalBaby (@Mao_0k), a cultural theorist, video essayist and scholar of contemporary Nigerian anthropology. We start off discussing the constraints of social media as a space for education, politics, interrogation and digital activism. We define her works as a living archive and an effort to preserve collective memory in the playground of Elon Musk and the Nigerian state.

We work through barren status symbols in Nigerian society and class consciousness in the collective Nigerian headspace. We tackle the parameters of class definition in comparison to other countries, the tangibility of pseudo class structures and the interpretation of wealth in the Nigerian context.

We then consider the gendered dimension of status with women being the canvas of consumption while simultaneously being at the sharpest end of critique. We examine Nigerian men, structural dependency and culpability in maintaining hierarchical gendered relations. We talk about everything from the economy and aesthetics of clubbing to Detty December, Third world labour, transactionalism and foreign exchange.

Are Nigeria men the worst? Who is online political content created for realistically? How does one draw the line between content creation and digital activism? Listen to what we think and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

For your attention guys..

In this episode

We start off this episode discussing immigrants in the UK, in light of ultranationalism and right-wing anti-immigrant sentiment that is sweeping across Europe.

Beginning with the creation of the welfare state from exploitation of the global south, through the place of developing countries in the global economy, to the aging population of the UK, and the fracturing of labour power by neoliberalism, we strip bare the electoral calculus behind the promise of anti-immigration.

We also evaluate the function of consumerism in dealing with the grief of surviving the neoliberal order.

We look, ultimately, at the growth of APC's stronghold in Southern Nigeria in the lead up to the 2027 election as the Enugu state governor, amongst others, defects to APC.

With such defections in usual PDP strongholds, the imminent implosion of PDP and a lot of uncertainty with the LP, questions remain about who will stabilise Nigeria's bourgeios democracy.

The last-minute electoralism of the Obidient movement leaves no obvious answers. What is the strength of the opposition to the APC? What is the fate of immigrants in the global north? Listen and let us know your thoughts.

We decided to go 'guns-a-blazing' on the subject of the purported persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The idea that Nigeria is being overrun by a hidden Islamisation/jihad agenda was a talking point restricted to more conspiratorial circles — until recently. That none other than the president of the United States has embraced the idea— promising to rise in defence of Nigerian Christians — suggests how quickly the discourse has gained mainstream currency.

In this episode we discuss the rise of the “Christian genocide discourse” attempting to separate fact from fiction. We sift through incidents, reactions, possible reasons and consequences to the violence in the middle belt. Revisiting the history and origins of the bloodshed, we look at the factors causing the violence today.

How seriously should we take the growing interest in Nigeria among the hawkish factions of Congress and the Trump Administration? Will the US intervene to save Nigerian Christians? What can be done to improve the security situation in Nigeria?

Enjoy — and have a blessed Sunday.

After a long rainy season break, we reflect on the latest changes in the recent past in Nigeria and beyond. We assess the deafening but underlying hum of tribalism and its outlets in material reality. We dissect its possible triggers, usefulness and beneficiaries in Nigerian society. From fire outbreaks and flash floods to mass layoffs at the Dangote refinery, we sift through national current affairs and dysfunction.

We breeze through the current administration's report card and the usefulness of the "Tinubu built Lagos" narrative to the his current administration. In conclusion, we discuss Dangote's conflict with various unions

Is this rightwing shift towards ethno-nationalism simply a campaign strategy? A symptom of economic strife? Both? Are we worse than our elders? Why does Dangote keep fighting one union after the other? Find out in our latest episode.

Some weeks ago, Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola announced his new book titled "Making it Big" which was intended to reveal lessons about overcoming challenges and building successful businesses as an underdog. Rapid fire online responses were quick to point out his (and other success stories) silver spoon and challenged his capacity to give us any useful underdog advice. This spilled into a wider "Nepo vs Lapo" baby discussion.

Was this a rare moment of class consciousness or bickering between the disgruntled and diminishing middle class? Is there any useful financial advice worth giving in Tinubu's Nigeria? What are the chances of making it as a "Lapo" baby today in Nigeria? Listen to our thoughts and let us know in the comments either as a "Nepo" or "Lapo" baby if we have misrepresented your case.😉

This episode judges the murmurs of a new coalition on the horizon of Nigeria's electoral politics. We wade deep into the horse race (aided by many more mixed metaphors) to evaluate the chances of victory of the various Presidential/VP pairings come 2027.

The usual conversation about regional balances and comparisons of what each player might bring to the table follows. Is there victory for anyone in this coalition without Peter Obi?

But we also turn to more consequential questions: How does the excitement (or indifference) around this new coalition compare to the fanfare that accompanied the birth of the APC? In light of declining voter turnouts and the disillusionment that has grown during Tinubu’s tenure, can this new coalition rescue Tinubu’s ‘reform’ trajectory and Nigerian democracy?

Listen and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

After years of beating around the bush, we bring you our latest Scam Hall of Fame episode focused on the infamous Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs). In the episode we argue that the SAPS were one of the central — if not the defining— scam(s) of the post-colonial period. To do this, we spend some time defining SAPs; talking through the rabbit and hat process by which SAPs were formally implemented under the IBB junta; and exploring the legacy of SAPS in contemporary Nigeria. The episode covers Nigeria's early ventures into austerity from the Gowon and Obasanjo military regimes, to the era of neoliberal puberty in the Babangida regime and down to its full blown adulthood in these Tinubu times.

We also deal with some contradictory aspects of Nigeria’s liberalization journey. If Nigeria truly neo-liberalised then why is it still a difficult environment for business? Were there valid reasons for the Structural Adjustment Programs? Is there any positive effect of the SAP in Nigeria?

Listen and let us know how SAPs compare to the other great scams of Nigerian history.

After a health break, we return in this episode to consider the Nigerian president's report card halfway through his term. Is he the bold liberalising force Nigeria, nay Africa, has been waiting for?

What can be said of the achievements and limitations of Tinubu’s domestic and foreign policy direction, two years into his tenure?

We discuss his efforts in comparison to his predecessor and in the context of Nigeria’s 40 year romance with neoliberalism.

The conversation also considers BAT’s foreign policy achievements and mishaps, especially in respect to the emergence of AES, his stance at the head of ECOWAS and his relationships with Washington and Paris. We also examine the possible oppositions to his re-election and the possibility of the rise of a popular mass movement against another tenure. Why isn't Tinubu easier to oppose? How much more neoliberal can we get? Who will survive in these Tinubu times? Listen and find out what we think.

In our latest current affairs episode we analyze the state of the APC and early rumblings of a mainstream opposition coalition ahead of 2027. Is the APC losing or simply reconstituting its elite base in the north? What is the strength of the ruling coalition? What might its fissures in the north and new ‘transfers’ in the south indicate about what might happen in the 2027 presidential elections? Will Nigerians fall for yet another neoliberal “bait and switch” via the SDP?

We also talk about the strength of the popular movement independent of mainstream political parties. How are they reacting to these economic pressures, possible alliances and their chances within the electoral arena? To close the episode, we discuss the rampant insecurity and rural mass murders in the Middle Belt analyzing it outside the usual veil of presidential conspiracy. We hope you enjoy listening and a happy May Day to you. Also let us know in the comments how you feel about the discussion and our new intro music.

Through a reflection on recent occurrences we dissect sexism and patriarchy in Nigeria along with our guest, comrade Haleesa, from the Out of The Box podcast. Focusing on electoral politics, employment rates, ownership and education, we discuss the challenges facing women in Nigeria. We examine the strength of a feminist counter movement and the strength of representation in challenging the status quo.

We also look at the journey of feminism so far through the lens of policy, social organization and identity formation in our African society. We scrutinize the gains that have been made for the rights of women culturally, legally and sociologically in recent times whilst exploring the intersection of class exploitation and gender dynamics. Are we pushing towards a more egalitarian society? Have things regressed? What is the way forward with regards to the fight for womens' emancipation in Nigeria?

Days after the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in light of the sexual harrassment allegations she tabled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, we discuss the socio-cultural ripple effects of her defiance against the rotten political institution. What, if anything, might her actions might mean for women in lower economic strata of society?

We also examine the consequences of stratification among men within patriarchy and the defense of this system by higher ranking women who might seem to benefit even if only temporarily.

In this episode, we use the homage paid to the ex-President Babangida in light of his book launch as a springboard to discuss the influence his regime had and continues to have on Nigeria's economic direction. Combing through the adulation, we examine the love and generosity doled out to the evil genius by different shades and stripes of Nigeria's elite and business class. Why did he decide to "write" an autobiography? Are the bones of contention he tackles in his book relevant today?

We also poke at the persistent myth of Nigeria's economic and ideological rudderlessness. In probing the legacy of Babangida's neoliberal reforms, we go further to tackle the notion of the non-existence of an economic blueprint and fiscal framework. Is it all just vibes and chaos? Are our leaders simply aggressively incompetent and myopically corrupt? How does all the neoliberalism elude Nigerians? Is there a plan at all? Has there ever been? Listen and find out what we think.

This news round up episode revisits Nigerian online conservatism, running through recent responses to the early executive orders of Trump 2.0. We also discuss Kemi Badenoch's constant reference to Nigeria and the chances that she is being a wily tactician. Does her commentary do anything for her polling numbers? Is there anything to read into in the notoriety she gains from Nigerians online who contribute to her trending? Is this nothing more than an anti-immigration tease?

We also examine "vawulence" online as a phenomenon and the factors that might contribute to Nigerians having the reputation for being vindictive on social media. Do Nigerians have too much time on their hands? Is the comparative price of data a contributor? Why does every aspiring celebrity employ the tacky strategy of engaging/rousing Nigerians on social media? Is social media simply an outlet for something deeper in our culture? Stick around and find out what we think?

We start the year with a crossover episode featuring the Out of The Box podcast & guest hosted by our friend Commander Matrix. The episode discusses the annual influx of tourists, celebrities and disaporans who come to celebrate the festive season in Lagos and the economic effects of that inflow. We also examine the sociocultural phenomena that arise from the interaction between locals and tourists/celebrities.

Among other things, we ponder the dynamics of class performance of the working class of first world countries and their interaction with the Lagos working class. What is it about Lagos that draws such a number in December? Is it absurd to consider Lagos a tourist destination? Can more be done to ensure that the annual influx has a more positive impact? Listen and find out.

In this episode, we tackle the thorny 2024 tax bill. Is “the North’s” reaction valid? Are there progressive components in the tax bill? We also prod the case of *alleged* defamation made against Mr Dele Farotimi, his arrest and the response from the general population and some sections of the left. Does this warrant protest? Stick around to the end to find out what our most popular 2024 episodes were and what are our 2025 podcasting resolutions.

As we all delve deeper into the neoliberal vortex, a common coping mechanism is the tendency to look back nostalgically at the “good old days" — wishing for a return of bygone eras when more ‘competent’, ‘kind hearted’ or ‘decisive’ leaders held the reins.

While romanticizing past presidents appears to be a global phenomenon, there is a particular version in Nigeria that is especially sickening — insofar as the leaders in question (those that held power during the 4th Republic [1999 — present]) were among the architects of the current madness. All this begs the question: why are we so quick to forgive and forget with past presidents?

Why the sudden pining for the return of Goodluck Jonathan?

We examined the habit of romanticizing past tenures and why people struggle to situate bygone leaders within a policy and ideological trajectory. We also try to understand why presidents loom so large in Nigerian public discourse relative to, say, finance ministers… And then finally, after all our grammar, we succumb to the stupid game and each reveal our own rankings of the worst presidents in the 4th Republic. Stick around to the end to find out who is Mege’s least favorite, and let us know what you think/if you agree.

We explore the widespread support for the Republican president elect among Nigerians (men, yes, but also women). We discuss possible reasons for his popularity in parts of the developing world, assessing whether or not there is a meaningful economic self interest expressed in Tropical Trumpism. We probe assumptions and projections about his administration with relation to foreign policy, trade relations and regional cooperation.

Are there defining features that may split the Nigerian commentariat into the Democrat and Republican camps? What alliances might exist between the Nigerian political parties and the North American ones? Can Trump's popularity in Nigeria be chalked down to social conservatism? Is it simply a case of a people successfully propagandized? Let us know what you think.

In this episode, our friend Ayoola Babalola converses with Momodou Taal in light of his suspension due to his activism for the Palestinian cause. They cycle through the sequence of events, the punishment meted out, the ways he has tried to appeal his case and the support he has received so far.

They also discuss how one can spread awareness about the ongoing genocide of Palestinians and the ways young Africans who may be ignorant of the ongoing genocide due to quasi-religious sentiments can reorient themselves. The power of social media as a tool in the general scheme of things and the ways Western academic institutions enable the violence and bloodshed are also discussed.