Electoral Laws and Newspaper Reports during the 2023 Presidential Election in Nigeria

Authors

  • Benjamin Enahoro Assay Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State

Keywords:

Electoral Laws, Newspaper Reports, Presidential Election, democracy, political participation

Abstract

This study examined the Electoral Laws and Newspaper Reports during the 2023 Presidential Election in Nigeria. The aim is to investigate the influence of some Newspaper reports on Nigeria's national unity during the 2023 presidential election. The content of six newspapers was analyzed to determine how their reports affected national unity in the period of the election. The items analyzed include news stories, features, opinion columns, and editorials. The study was anchored on the Agenda-Setting Theory of the mass media. Findings of the study showed that the newspaper reports affected positively as well as negatively the nation's national unity. Other reports were neutral in focus. Based on the findings and conclusion reached, the study made some useful recommendations that would help to shore up the nation's national unity, especially during the electioneering period.

References

African Union Commission (2012). Declaration of the third Africa high level. https://www.thenigeriavoice.com.new/101,87/1

Alabi, R., Zubairu, A. N. & Onuoha, U. A. (2019). Libraries and the quest for national unity. International Journal of social sciences & Humanities Review vol. 9, 2.

Ambali, Z.O. (2019). Repositioning of library services towards national integration and national development in Nigeria

Baran, S. J. (2012). Introduction to mass communication: Media Literacy and culture. McGraw-Hill.

Baran, S.J & Davis, D.Κ. (2006). Mass communication theory: Foundations, ferment, and future. Wadsworth / Thomson Learning.

Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (2011). Media and parliamentary elections in Egypt: Evaluation of media performance in the parliamentary elections. Human Rights Movement Issues, vol. 26.

Caplan, R. (2019). Measuring peace: Principles, and Politics. Oxford University Press.

Cohen, B.C. (1963). The press and foreign policy. Princeton University Press.

Dunmoye, R.A. (2010). Nexus of democratic consolidation and development imperative in Africa. In Mato, K. (ed) The democratic question and elections management in Africa. Daily Graphics Nigeria Limited.

Echem, M.E., Lulu - Pokubo, E. P., & Ejuh, E. (2018). The role of public library in fostering national integration for development: a case study of Port Harcourt literary society (PHLS) library, Rivers State, Nigeria Library Philosophy and Practice.

Ejiroghene, E.R. (2021). National integration. The role of Public Libraries in Nigerian society. International Journal of Library and Information Studies vol. 11 (1) Jan-Mar

FRN (2004). National policy on education. Government Printer.

Ibrahim, J. & Ibeanu, O. (eds) (2009). The 2007 Nigerian elections and the subversion of popular sovereignty. Centre for Democracy and Development.

Ikpe, C. (2022). Media as a tool for the promotion of the Nigerian Identity and unity. African Journal of Humanities and Contemporary Education Research Vol 5(1)

Janda, K., Berry, J.M. & Goldman, J. (2005). The challenge of democracy. Houghton Mifflin Company.

Lippmann, W (1922). Public opinion. Harcourt, Brace and company.

Livingstone, S. (1992). The politics of international agenda setting process: Reagan and North-South relations. International Studies Quarterly, 36 (3).

Martin, B. (1995). Democracy without elections. Social Anarchism, vol. 25

McCombs, M. & Shaw, D. (1972). The agenda-setting function of mass media. Public Opinion Quarterly, Vol. 36, PP 176-187.

McCombs, M. (2006). The agenda-setting role of mass media in shaping public opinion. Proceedings from Mass Media and Economics Conference, Michio Mori Shima. Sticerd.

McQuail, D. (2010). McQuail's mass communication theory: An introduction. Sage

Mohammed, S., & Bashir, A. (2010). Assuring the integrity of the electoral process through automation. A paper presented at fourth African Regional Conference on Sustainable Development held at Delta State University, Abraka, June 9 and 10.

Mutfwang, P. M. (2010). How free and fair? Elections and national security in Nigeria. In Talla, N.S & Ziri, R.B. (eds) Law and national security in the fourth republic. Lapi: Department of History and Archaeology, IBB University.

Nwokeke, P. O., & Jayun, A. J. (2011). The electoral process and democratic consolidation in Nigeria. Journal of Politics and Law, Vol. 4, No. 2.

Ochim, F. I. (2013). The judiciary and 2011 general elections in Nigeria. In Egwemi, V. (ed) Issues in the 2011 general elections in Nigeria. Sam - Adex.

Sandbrook, R. (1988). Liberal democracy in Africa: A socialist revisionist perspective. Canadian Journal of African Studies, vol. 23, No. 2

Scammell, M. (2005). War, God and Gays: The UK press and the 2004 US presidential election. Discussion Paper

Shiverly, P. (1999). Power and choice: An introduction to political science. McGraw-Hill

Sokoh, C. G. & Umukoro, N. (2010). Political behaviour: An Introduction, Ambik Press Limited.

Taiwo, B. M. (2005). Universal Basic Education: A means to achieving peace and national unity in Nigeria. A paper presented at the 3rd National Conference organized by the School of Education, Federal College of Education, Kontagora, Niger State

Torper, T. F. (2013). Social Studies education: A Catalyst for national unity in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Social Studies, Vol. XVI No.2 October

Viera, C. (2019). The importance of National Unity. The nation's paper https://guyanachronicle.com/2019/09/01 / the-importance-of-national-unity/

Zamare, U. S. & Karofi, U. A. (2015). National Unity: A catalyst for sustainable democracy in Nigeria https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/234682334.pdf

Downloads

Published

2025-08-22