Show Notes
Aedan Asika bears a last name which means people have predetermined expectations of him. However, his familial heritage in Politics and Entertainment didn’t mean much as he embarked on a journey of self-discovery in his late teens.
Fresh out of secondary school, he developed an interest in Politics and found himself interning in the office of then-Senator Bukola Saraki. At the time, Saraki, the scion of an iconic political dynasty had just come to the end of a two-term run as the Governor of Kwara state located in the bellwether North Central geopolitical zone. He’d also built a layer of influence as the Chair of the Governors Forum (the collective body of Nigerian Governors). Upon his entry into the Senate, Saraki would play an active role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the selection process of the party’s presidential and vice presidential candidates. He also emerged as the Senate President in the new political dispensation. His leadership of the Senate resulted in the enactment of a record number of laws and the passage of landmark bills like the Electoral Amendment Bill, Petroleum Industry Governance Bill, Not-Too-Young-To-Run Bill, and the Police Reform Bill. Since losing out in the 2019 elections, Saraki has sought the presidency and has been tasked with leading the reunification of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Through it all, Asika has been an interesting observer and participant whose recollection of these moments offers an interesting political history class. He also makes a great pitch as to why young people should take the leap into political waters.
This interview is part of a still-taking-shape series where I speak to participants within the political process to document their journeys and glean insights that help us demystify the political process. If you enjoy it, do let us know other people whose stories you'll love to hear.
More from 4th Republic
June 12th, 1993 holds weight in Nigeria's recent political history. Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, won what was recorded as the fairest presidential election in Nigeria’s history. 30 years later in February 2023, host Deji Osikoya, along with Nigerians across the world, witnessed one of the more compromised democratic presidential elections in the country's history. Joined by writer, media entrepreneur and analyst, Lanre Idowu, the two comb through archives in search of the hope we lost in 1993.
In this episode of 4th Republic, we’re joined by Ayo Adio, who is currently running for Local Government Chairman of Eti Osa in Lagos. His campaign is unconventional, youth-led, and rooted in the belief that real change begins at the local level. Adio walks us through the motivations behind his candidacy, the barriers he’s navigating as a first-time contender without political godfathers, and what he’s learning about the way local governance actually works in Nigeria. This conversation is a crash course in political courage, civic engagement, and the complexities of running for office in a system that often discourages independent thought.
The story of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) cannot be written without referring to Governor Kayode Fayemi.
Opposition politics in Lagos has received a new face in the form of Funso Doherty.
Prince Clem Agba has lived a rich life in the private and public sector.