In this episode of the Mic On Podcast, Seun Okinbaloye sits with Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, Senator representing Ebonyi North and Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, who shares his views on governance, legislative independence, and the 2027 general elections.

Nwaebonyi rejects claims that the 10th National Assembly is a rubber-stamped legislature, while strongly defending President Bola Tinubu's administration and expressing confidence in the president's re-election prospects. He also urges Nigerians to embrace agriculture as a response to rising food costs and highlights his constituency projects and educational interventions.

The senator also reiterated his support for the creation of an additional state in the Southeast, arguing that greater regional representation remains an important national priority.

Guest:

Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi

(Senator representing Ebonyi North / Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate)

In this episode of the Mic On Podcast, Seun Okinbaloye sits with election observer, democracy advocate, and Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, who discusses electoral reform, democratic accountability, and the road to the 2027 general elections.

Itodo expresses cautious optimism that public trust in Nigeria's electoral process can be restored if INEC strengthens transparency and accountability. He also raises concerns about political interference in elections, the growing pressure on opposition parties, and the slow pace of electoral reforms, while urging the electoral body to safeguard its independence.

Looking ahead to 2027, Itodo calls on Nigerians, particularly young people, to remain actively engaged in the electoral process, stressing that credible elections will depend on both institutional integrity and sustained citizen participation.

Guest:

Samson Itodo

(Executive Director, Yiaga Africa)

In this episode of the Mic On Podcast, Seun Okinbaloye sits with veteran politician, diplomat, and former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, who shares his views on governance, security, and the 2027 elections.

Obanikoro reflects on his political journey, discusses lessons learned from President Bola Tinubu, and defends the administration's economic reforms, arguing that difficult decisions were necessary for long-term stability. He also advocates a tough approach to tackling insecurity, including the possible use of mercenaries in the fight against terrorism.

Looking ahead to 2027, Obanikoro expresses confidence in President Tinubu's re-election prospects, weighs in on Lagos politics, and insists the APC remains well-positioned to retain power at both the state and national levels.

Guest:

Senator Musiliu Obanikoro

(Former Senator/Former Minister of State for Defence)

In this episode of the Mic On Podcast, Seun Okinbaloye sits with human rights lawyer, legal scholar, and public affairs commentator, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, who shares his views on governance, security reforms, and the 2027 elections.

Odinkalu questions the proposed rollout of state police, warning that it could become vulnerable to political abuse if implemented without strong institutions.

He also raises concerns about the credibility of the 2027 elections, criticizing the performance of INEC, the judiciary, and the National Assembly, while arguing that Nigeria's democratic institutions require urgent reforms.

Guest:

Prof. Chidi Odinkalu

(Human Rights Lawyer / Legal Scholar / Public Affairs Commentator)

In this episode of the Mic On Podcast, Seun Okinbaloye sits with filmmaker, public affairs commentator, and House of Representatives aspirant under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC); Dickson Iroegbu, who shares his views on governance, opposition politics, and the 2027 elections.

Iroegbu reaffirms his support for Peter Obi while criticizing the opposition's coalition strategy and the performance of the Tinubu administration, arguing that Nigeria is facing worsening economic and security challenges. He also raises concerns about the credibility of the 2027 elections, urging INEC to ensure a transparent process.

Looking ahead, Iroegbu expresses confidence that the opposition can defeat the ruling APC and calls on Nigerians to remain vigilant, participate actively in the electoral process, and demand accountable leadership.

Guest:

Dickson Iroegbu

(Filmmaker / Public Affairs Commentator / NDC House of Representatives Aspirant)

In this episode of the Mic On Podcast, Seun Okinbaloye sits with the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Public Communications and Presidential Spokesperson, Sunday Dare, who presents the administration's perspective on governance, economic reforms, security, and the 2027 elections.

Dare defends the Tinubu administration against allegations of authoritarianism, arguing that democratic freedoms remain intact while maintaining that ongoing economic reforms are necessary for long-term national recovery. He also highlights the government's security efforts, describing the creation of state police as a major step toward strengthening Nigeria's security architecture.

Looking ahead to 2027, Dare expresses confidence that President Tinubu's performance will earn him a second term, dismisses claims of electoral manipulation, and insists the administration remains focused on governance rather than political rivalry.

Guest:

Sunday Dare

(Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications / Presidential Spokesperson)

In this episode of the Mic On Podcast, Seun Okinbaloye sits with political analyst, development advocate, and former presidential candidate; Prof. Chris Nwaokobia Jnr., who reflects on Nigeria’s democratic progress and the state of governance ahead of the 2027 elections.

Nwaokobia argues that Nigeria remains trapped in elite-dominated politics with limited democratic progress, while criticizing the 10th National Assembly for being overly aligned with the executive. He also gives a low assessment of the Tinubu administration, citing poor responsiveness to national challenges and weak governance outcomes.

Looking ahead to 2027, he warns that both the ruling party and opposition face serious challenges, blaming disunity and weak strategy among opposition figures. He also questions key policy decisions like subsidy removal and calls for more accountable and people-centered governance.

Guest:

Prof. Chris Nwaokobia Jnr.

(Political Analyst / Former Presidential Candidate)

In this episode of the Mic On Podcast, Seun Okinbaloye sits with the former Edo State governor and former president of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who shares his views on accountability, governance, and the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.

Oshiomhole defends his stance on the Senate's investigation into alleged financial irregularities involving the NNPCL and speaks candidly about his disagreements with the Senate leadership. He also reflects on economic reforms under the Tinubu administration, drawing contrasts with the previous government while expressing support for the president's policy direction.

Looking ahead to 2027, Oshiomhole voices confidence in President Tinubu's re-election prospects and questions whether the opposition offers a compelling alternative to the current administration.

Guest:

Senator Adams Oshiomhole

(Former Governor of Edo State / Former NLC President)

In this episode of the Mic On Podcast, Seun Okinbaloye sits with Solomon Dalung, former Minister of Youth and Sports Development and legal practitioner, who shares his views on coalition politics, governance, and the 2027 elections.

Dalung discusses the challenges facing the ADC coalition, criticizes recent political realignments, and argues that growing insecurity and public dissatisfaction have weakened confidence in the current administration. He also reflects on his role in the formation of the APC, expressing disappointment with the party’s performance in government.

Looking ahead to 2027, Dalung urges Nigerians to prioritize competence over party loyalty and remain actively engaged in the electoral process, describing the next election as a defining moment for the country's future.

Guest:

Solomon Dalung

(Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development / Legal Practitioner)

In this episode of the Mic On Podcast, Seun Okinbaloye sits with Prof. Farooq Kperogi, scholar, journalist, and author, who shares his perspective on governance, opposition politics, and Nigeria’s democratic future ahead of the 2027 elections.

Kperogi weighs in on security appointments under the Tinubu administration, criticizes what he describes as ethnically biased appointments, and argues that the president has struggled with growing public dissatisfaction over economic hardship. He also says the opposition remains weakened by internal divisions, making it difficult to effectively challenge the ruling APC.

Despite his criticism of both the government and the opposition, Kperogi expresses cautious optimism that political realignments and growing public awareness could strengthen democratic alternatives ahead of 2027.

Guest:

Prof. Farooq Kperogi

(Scholar / Journalist / Author)