CHAPTER ONE

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1   BACKGROUND OF STUDY

The history of elections in Nigeria generally has afforded us the golden opportunity of assessment of the divergent roles of the media in Nigeria political process within the framework of our national political goal. The issue and question of education, information, mobilization and monitoring has become a very crucial factor in the realization of the national objectives in the context of the electoral process.

This is as a result of the ugly incidences of various forms of electoral malpractices which have repeatedly threatened the possibility of credible elections and national integration in Nigeria. Though the issue at stake is the responsibility of all stakeholders in the body politic, there is however, a rationale in assigning this responsibility as a primary concern of the mass media on the ground of professional competence as the fourth estate of the realm.

It has therefore, become very important to assess the roles of the mass media in the electoral history of Nigeria. To what extent has the Nigerian media discharged its statutory functions towards achieving a positive political national agenda? Iredia (2007) the former Director General of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), states the problem in this regard very clearly that, the people must be assisted to premise their choices of rationality and vote wisely during elections.

They must have all information that is needed to elect the right candidates who can ensure good governance. Where such public awareness is lacking, those of us in the media must accept a share of the blame of failed elections in Nigeria.

The mass media sometimes instigated conflict through biased reporting, deliberate distortions, criminal partisanship and unprofessionalism confounded by influences of tribalism. Thus, as the fourth estate of the realm whose job is to maintain the highest level of professionalism by acting as a watchdog over the three arms

of government which include the legislature, executive and the judiciary, In addition to this, there are issues concerning the hijacking of the media by political office holders to create falsehood and political propaganda while also circumventing the ideals and work ethics of the media thereby compromising press freedom.

1.2   STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

                The media, in all their manifestations, are instruments to make or mar the attainment to leadership positions, especially of political aspirants. The vibrant flow of information provided by the media seems to increase political knowledge, sharpen public debate and push candidates to make genuine political cliches, and arguably also, the availability of alternative sources of information gives life to political competition. The more sources of information available, the greater the public’s knowledge, and this role is performed by the media.

        Irrespective of the fact that the media creates awareness, majority of the populace and even voters lack basic knowledge about the entire political process, and may take unreasonable decisions on election matters particularly. Slant, language, frequency, interest and bias of reportage which the media chooses may have negative or positive influence on voting behaviour and consequently on leadership ascendancy which in the negative leads to electoral violence. Finally, several researches has been carried out on newspaper coverage of audience perception in politics but not even a single research has been carried out on the role of media in the Nigeria election.

1.3   AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF STUDY

        The main aim of the study is to determine the role of media in the Nigeria election. Other specific objectives of the study include;

1. to determine the effect of media on Nigeria’s election.
2. to determine the factors affecting media and its influence on the election of Nigeria.
3. to determine the extent to which media affects the election of Nigeria.
4. to proffer possible solutions to the problems.

1.4   RESEARCH QUESTIONS               

1. What is the effect of media on Nigeria’s election?
2. What are the factors affecting media and its influence on the election of Nigeria?
3. What is the extent to which media affects the election of Nigeria?
4. What are the possible solutions to the problems?

1.5   STATEMENT OF RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

H0:   Media has no significant effect on Nigeria’s election.      

H1:      Media has a significant effect on Nigeria’s election.

1.6   SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY

        The study on the roles of media in the Nigeria election will be of immense benefit to the entire Nigeria in the sense that it will enlighten relevant stakeholders such as, political parties, candidates and civic society organization, on the influence of reporting on political awareness and campaign opportunity.

The study would guide the thought of the electorate not to believe everything they hear from the media. It will also add to the body of existing knowledge on the type of influence exerted by media reporting on voting behaviour. This research would inform government and other electoral management body that media reporting will continue to set agenda for political discussion and voting behavior for people during elections, consequently impacting leadership ascendancy.

It will also ignite or kindle voters’ verification of information reported by the media before taking a decision on which candidate to vote for. It would create the consciousness on voters on the need to rely on credible alternate sources of information before making their decision. Finally, the study will contribute to the body of existing literature and knowledge to this field of study and basis for further research.

1.7   SCOPE OF STUDY

        The study on the roles of media is limited to 2019 presidential election in Nigeria.

1.8   LIMITATION OF STUDY

Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

1.9   DEFINITION OF TERMS

Roles       A role is a set of connected behaviors, rights, obligations, beliefs, and norms as conceptualized by people in a social situation.

Media      Media is the communication outlets or tools used to store and deliver information or data.

Election  the formal process of selecting a person for public office or of accepting or rejecting a political proposition by voting.