This paper interrogates the misconception of populist democracy as liberal democracy in Nigeria. While liberal democracy emphasises private property, individual rights, the rule of law, democratic institutions, and citizens’ participation in the political process, populist democracy undermines these principles by prioritizing mass appeal over institutional integrity. Drawing insights from populism theory, liberal democracy theory, and an extensive literature review, the paper examines how populism has increasingly become a defining feature of Nigerian politics, shaping electoral processes and governance. The paper reveals that Nigerian political leaders derive electoral legitimacy through elections and claim to represent the will of the people, but often undermine liberal democratic institutions and principles. They exploit popular grievances such as corruption, economic inequality, insecurity, weak democratic institutions, and promote illiberal democratic practices in the country. The paper argues that Nigeria's democratic experience reflects an illiberal democracy sustained by populist politics. It recommends public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on liberal principles and the dangers of populist politics in Nigeria. This will guarantee democratic sustainability and realign governance with true liberal democratic principles in Nigeria.

Human trafficking is an aged-long problem in human society. It however assumed an alarming proportion in contemporary society particularly, in Nigerians’ economic and socio-political relations with other nations of the world. Scholars of different orientations have attempted to provide lasting solution to this organised criminal activity that treats humans as article to be purchased, controlled and exploited. To date scholars’ efforts have not yielded the desired results; hence, the nature and scope of the illicit trade is on the increase. This study therefore, sought an adequate philosophical foundation upon which the menace could be constructively handled. Hence, Immanuel Kant’s Categorical Imperative is adopted as the theoretical framework for this study. The study adopts the qualitative method of philosophical inquiry. Specifically, it employed the critical, and analytical tools to interrogate human trafficking in Nigeria and proffer metaphysically inclined solution. The study revealed that the essence of human beings particularly, the humanity principle which enjoys a person to treat another as an end in itself and not as mere means is a solid and adequate foundation upon which interpersonal relations of moral agents could be based in handling constructively the problem of human trafficking in Nigeria. The study concluded that the respect for the dignity of the human person should not be compromised under the guise of economic advantage or other social benefits accruable to the practitioners of acts that exploit and dehumanise the human person.

This study examines the role of party congress in Nigeria as the cornerstone of democratic governance. Through the utilization of Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and extensive literature review, the study explores the significance of party congress in shaping democratic process within the Nigerian political landscape. Key Informants including ward party chairmen, women, youth leaders and party chieftains were interviewed to gain insights into the functions and impact of party congress on democratic governance in Nigeria. The findings highlight the role of party congress as a platform for party members to participate in decisionmaking process and candidate selection. The study unveils a concerning trend where party elites frequently manipulate and dominate the conduct of party congresses, leading to the imposition of preferred candidates for general elections. This practice undermines the democratic principles of inclusivity, transparency, and fair competition within political parties, ultimately weakening the democratic governance system in Nigeria. The study recommends the need for reforms and the involvement of civil society organizations to put pressure on political parties to embrace and adhere to the electoral act and political parties’ guidelines for conduct of open and transparent party congress system. This will guarantee credible party congress and enhance democratic governance in Nigeria.

Reciprocity, often understood as "tit-for-tat" in diplomacy serves as a foundational mechanism for bilateral and multilateral engagements in international politics. It facilitates mutual exchanges among states to pursue national interests and foreign policy objectives. This paper critically analyses President Donald Trump’s tariff policy toward America’s immediate neighbours shortly after taken office. The policy is viewed as hegemonic rooted not in mutual trust or cooperation, but in advancing U.S. strategic economic interests. The study explores Trump's rationale for imposing a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, and a 125% tariff on Chinese goods, under the justification of combating illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and protecting national security. The consequences of these measures ranging from trade wars with countries across Central America, Europe, and Asia to domestic political backlash and inflations which are thoroughly examined. This paper proposes renegotiating trade laws on equitable diplomatic platforms to mitigate the crisis and prevent large-scale global trade disruptions. It also emphasises the crucial role of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in establishing fair rules for state behaviour in tariffs, markets, and investment. Utilizing secondary data from scholarly publications, government documents, and online materials, the study adopts the theory of reciprocity in international relations as its analytical framework to explain the motivations and impacts of Trump’s tariff policy on global diplomacy and interdependence of states.

The intersection between Christian values and political governance reveals both challenges and benefits in shaping just societies Christianity’s relationship with political authority has long been contested, shaped by theological perspectives, historical experiences, and practical concerns. This paper examines the role and benefits of Christian involvement in politics, using Constantine the Great as a central case study. Findings show that the Constantine shift marked a transformative era in which Christianity moved from a marginalised, persecuted faith to a religion of imperial favour and influence. Through this development, Christians began to participate actively in governance, legislation, and public life. Critics argue that Constantine’s adoption of Christianity introduced compromises that diluted the Church’s spiritual purity, while supporters contend that his reign demonstrated the potential benefits of Christian engagement with political authority, including religious tolerance, social cohesion, and moral influence on statecraft. The study adopts critical analysis as methodology which will be used to analyse the historical, theological, and political dimensions of Constantine’s involvement in governance of his day. This will highlights the complex but fruitful relationship between Christianity and political power. Thus the stand of this research is that responsible Christian involvement in politics can contribute positively to societal order, ethical governance, and social justice when aligned with core biblical values. Drawing from Constantine’s example, the study provides insights into the enduring question of how Christians should engage political authority in diverse socio-political contexts.

Corruption in Nigeria has become a societal norm, significantly hindering national development. This persistent challenge has given rise to various theoretical explanations aimed at understanding its root causes. This paper investigates the causes of corruption in Nigeria through psychological and sociological lenses, arising in the progenitor theory of corruption. The public choice theory of corruption, institutional theory of corruption, and the principalagent theory were adopted as the main theoretical framework of analysis. Additionally, attachment theory, and Baumrind’s parenting style theory were employed to structure the study’s psychological and sociological analysis of the progenitor theory of corruption as propounded in this paper. The research utilised the qualitative approach, based on primary data sourced from semi-structured interviews, and complemented with secondary data. Findings indicate that ill parenting styles significantly contribute to the prevalence of societal corruption, thus, providing sufficient evidence for our progenitor theory of corruption. Based on these findings, the paper recommends that parents should instil moral values and ethical behaviours in their children. Furthermore, they should provide holistic care by addressing the social, spiritual, and financial needs of their wards to prevent the development of corrupt tendencies.