Jideonwo reveals why he left politics in 'How Depression Saved My Life'

Chude Jideonwo, host of the syndicated talk show #WithChude and Chair of the FourthMainland Creator Fund, in his new book 'How Depression Saved My Life', released a week ago, reflects on how his early optimism about Muhammadu Buhari's presidency turned into deep disappointment.

Jideonwo recalls that he and his co-founder, Adebola Williams, were among those who believed the 2015 election could mark a turning point for Nigeria. But shortly after Buhari's victory, doubts began to emerge. A close associate from within the president-elect's circle called to express frustration, saying Buhari had stopped listening to advice and was dismissing even his allies. The conversation confirmed Jideonwo's fears that things were going wrong.

"Chude, this is a mistake," the associate said, derision in his voice. "This man doesn't listen to anybody. He doesn't take any advice. All the governors around him are frustrated. They call him to briefings and he angrily dismisses them. All that humility he was showing during the campaign, listening to everything we were saying, it has now disappeared. I think we created a monster."

This candid reflection, Jideonwo writes, captures the shock and disillusionment experienced by many campaign operatives who had invested their hopes, tears, and hard work into what they believed would be transformative leadership.

When Jideonwo was later offered a position in the new administration he turned down an offer, and in response a serving minister, the book reveals, called him "conceited" for refusing to join the government.

"I couldn't imagine being part of something my spirit had already rejected," Jideonwo writes.

Jideonwo recalls the intense hope that had motivated him and his colleagues. "Many of us were convinced beyond a doubt that our country was about to be changed, speedily, for the better. It was the purest, sharpest, densest hope." That hope, however, clashed with the realities of governance as he observed the president-elect's transition, which was dominated by courtesy visits and the luxuries of power rather than urgent policy action.

The experience marked a turning point in Jideonwo's career. He slowly began to withdraw from politics, questioning his faith in nation building and turning his focus toward storytelling, human connection, and emotional wellbeing.

"But in 2015 to 2017, even as I was publicly speaking against the new government with the certainty of a disappointed citizen, in private I was losing my grip on what I believed about nation building," he writes. "After believing that this one was the movement that would change the country, I didn't see how I could come to such passions again."

In ‘How Depression Saved My Life’, Jideonwo examines this difficult but formative period, exploring his struggles with faith, mental health, and purpose, and how he rebuilt his life beyond politics.

‘How Depression Saved My Life’ is now available in bookstores nationwide, on Amazon, and on Kindle.