The just-concluded Ondo State governorship election has once again exposed the tragic and unchanging reality of Nigeria’s electoral system—a system so deeply entrenched in corruption that it has become a farce. This is not a matter of a few “bad apples” within the system, but a reflection of a political culture that thrives on the exploitation of poverty, the manipulation of vulnerable citizens, and the perversion of democracy. It is a disturbing reminder of the editorial stance we took on September 24, 2024, in which we concluded that Nigeria’s electoral process is irreparably flawed and incapable of producing the leaders…

The current controversy surrounding the Tax Reform Bills introduced by President Bola Tinubu highlights a significant and contentious issue: the principle of derivation in the proposed Value Added Tax (VAT) sharing formula. At the heart of the matter is a proposed increase in the derivation percentage from 20% to 60% for VAT revenues, a move that has ignited fervent opposition, particularly from Northern political leaders. Their concerns raise critical questions about equity, regional balance, and the historical context of Nigeria’s fiscal policies. Historically, the derivation principle has undergone significant transformations. Initially, during the colonial period, regions retained 100% of mineral…