Femi LazarusCEO at Femi Lazarus Consulting

Many complain about the system, but how many are willing to step into it and drive change?

8 Jun 2026 · 3 min

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In this excerpt from the Declassified Podcast, Speaker A interviews a young political aspirant (Speaker B) about why they are entering Nigerian politics. The discussion centers on the belief that change must be driven from within the system rather than waiting for external reform, citing the influence of respected figure Mr. Adele Farotimi and a warning that political power can quickly become entrenched. Both speakers acknowledge the pervasive corruption of the political system, describing it as capable of corrupting even well‑intentioned reformers. They reference the song “Jela Bayasha,” whose lyrics liken the system to chains and prisons, underscoring how the system can imprison both officials and citizens. Speaker B emphasizes that despite these challenges, they aim to act with empathy and love. The segment ends with Speaker C promoting the podcast’s availability on YouTube and Spotify.

Chapters

The opportunity I have having you in front of me, I'm assuming you represent the vast majority of young people who are trying to venture into politics. Yes, sir. And please do note that this is not one of those declassified podcasts you've watched. This is— we are going to have to grill out certain things from you, and we've agreed about that. Yes. You are actively into politics, and I want to assume that that means that you kind of understand the intricacies. Yes, sir. Many things. Well, let me ask, why are you into politics in the first place?
You want to carry change, you speak about change, you have to manifest it first. In what sense? In the sense that if Nigeria is to be the right country for the future generation, you have to be the one. You won't leave this mandate to another person.
One of the men I respect I respect so much, a man called Mr. Adele Farotimi, said something I consider very profound. He said, if you feel you are too big for politics, and he mentioned the name, one of the NUFTW leaders, said soon this person is going to be your governor. And for me, that is concerning. That's a big statement. And you are saying here that you're getting into politics because we should not just wait for the change, we've got to be part of the systems that shapes the policies that brings— is that what you're saying?
Yes, sir.
How credible is that system?
First of all, we begin to weigh our options. You do not know how corrupt you are. I said it before.
Yeah.
Until you've tasted what can fuel your corruption.
True. We've agreed that the system in itself is quite corrupt. Do you agree? Yes, I do. It doesn't matter what name the political or what attire wears, it's corrupt. Yes. So, and in itself it means that it has the capacity to change even those who are thinking rightly and are part of the system. Yes. Have you seen the lyrics of the song Jela Bayasha? Let me tell you what she said there. She said, I'm in chains, you're in chains too. I'm on uniforms, uniforms too. I'm a prisoner, you're in prison too, Mr. Jailer. So if the system is designed that way, you want to come into school the system, it has in itself the capacity ready to school you. It has changed everyone who believe they're coming to change it.
What difference do you make? It might sound very off. Yeah, but we come with empathy and love.
Declassified Podcast is now streaming on YouTube and Spotify.