PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE AND THE CREDIBILITY OF THE NIGERIA ELECTION: THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA

PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE AND THE CREDIBILITY OF THE NIGERIA ELECTION: THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA

ABSTRACT

This project work attempt to investigate the presidential debate and the credibility of the Nigeria Election: the role of the media. And it was divided into five chapters. Chapter one deals with the introduction, background to the study, statement of the problem, research questions, hypothesis, significance of the study and purpose of the study. Chapter two dealt with the review of relevant literatures, journals and newspapers. Chapter three dealt with the methodology of the study, research design, sample and sampling techniques, method of data analysis. Chapter four however deals with analysis and interpretation on data collection and the result of this data were discussed. Finally, chapter five comprises of the summary, conclusion and recommendation. Among the recommendations made by the researcher were;

1. A government owned electronic medium either state or federal and privately owned medium shall give equal access on daily basis to all registered political parties or candidates of such political parties that are contesting elections.
2. As the election draw closer, the media and broadcast media will be a focal point as political reporting and programming escalate. The public would be eager for useful information on which to base decision making about who gets their vote. Journalists are being charged with a duty to provide equal access to political parties.
3. The Nigeria media should realize the enormous challenge before them of making all Nigerian aware of the critical issues and programmes upon which the successes of election are based. Hence, the election campaign reporters should seek out relevant truths for the people who cannot witness or comprehend the events that affect them.

TABLE OF CONTENT

Chapter One

1.1    Background of the Study

1.2    Statement of the Study

1.3    Research Questions

1.4    Research Hypothesis

1.5    Objective of the Study

1.6    Significance of the study

1.7    Scope of the study

1.8    Limitation of the study

1.9    Organization of the Study

Chapter Two

2.1    Literature Review

Chapter Three

3.0    Research Methodology

3.1    Research design

3.2    Population of the study

3.3    Sample and sampling technique

3.4    Validity of Data Instrument

3.5    Reliability of Data Instrument

3.6    Method of Data Collection

3.7    Method of Data Analysis

Chapter Four

Data Presentation and Analysis

Chapter Five

Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1    BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

The media are essential to democracy, and a democratic election is impossible without media. A free and fair election is not only about the freedom to vote and the knowledge of how to cast a vote, but also about a participatory process where voters engage in public debate and have adequate information about parties, policies, candidates and the election process itself in order to make informed choices. Furthermore, media acts as a crucial watchdog to democratic elections, safeguarding the transparency of the process. Indeed, a democratic election with no media freedom, or stifled media freedom, would be a contradiction in terms. (Adamun Ogunsanwo, 1982)

In 2005 the yearly World Press Freedom Day international conference produced a declaration that stressed “independent and pluralistic media are essential for ensuring transparency, accountability and participation as fundamental elements of good governance and human-rights based development”. Furthermore, the declaration urges member states to “respect the function of the news media as an essential factor in good governance, vital to increasing both transparency and accountability in decision-making processes and to communicating the principles of good governance to society”. (Agba, P.C, 2007)

In order to fulfill their roles, the media need to maintain a high level of professionalism, accuracy and impartiality in their coverage.  Regulatory frameworks can help ensure high standards. Laws and regulation should guarantee fundamental freedoms essential to democracy, including freedom of information and expression, as well as participation. Meanwhile, provisions such as requiring government media, funded out of public money, to give fair coverage and equitable access to opposition parties, help ensure appropriate media behaviour during elections.

PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE AND THE CREDIBILITY OF THE NIGERIA ELECTION: THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA