AN ASSESSMENT OF THE NIGERIAN TELEVISION AUTHORITY’S CONTRIBUTION TO ELECTORATE MOBILIZATION DURING THE 2023 GENERAL ELECTION

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study Television has long been recognized as a powerful medium of mass communication, with the ability to shape public opinion, educate viewers, and rally communities toward collective goals (McQuail, 2010). Its role becomes especially vital in democratic societies during election periods, as it serves as a key channel for disseminating information about candidates, political parties, voting procedures, and civic responsibilities—enabling citizens to participate in the democratic process in an informed manner (Norris, 2000). In Nigeria, the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), established in 1977, stands as the foremost television network, boasting extensive coverage across both urban and rural areas (Uche, 2019). Given its wide reach and government ownership, the NTA is strategically positioned to influence voter behavior and election outcomes through specially tailored programming (Agbaje, 2019). The 2023 general elections marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey. The elections were characterized by heightened political tension, increased participation by young people, and the introduction of new technologies in the electoral process (INEC, 2023). This period presented an important opportunity for the media to step up in fostering political engagement, especially considering the rising issue of voter apathy observed in past elections (Ojo, 2020). As the national broadcaster, the NTA had the responsibility of offering thorough coverage of the election, informing citizens about voting procedures, and broadcasting messages aimed at encouraging electoral participation (Akinwale, 2022). Despite these expectations, the effectiveness of the NTA in mobilizing voters has been a topic of debate. Critics argue that state-run media like the NTA often struggle with neutrality, tending to align more closely with government or ruling party interests, rather than ensuring fair representation for all political groups (Ojo, 2020). Studies from previous elections suggest that the NTA has been accused of providing limited coverage to opposition parties, thereby hindering voters from accessing diverse political viewpoints (Oso, 2012). This raises questions about how well the NTA fulfilled its mandate during the 2023 elections in informing and mobilizing voters, and whether its broadcasts contributed to any form of biased political communication. The role of the media in elections is not confined to news coverage; it also involves voter education and engagement (Akinwale, 2022). In a country like Nigeria, where literacy levels and media accessibility vary widely, television remains a primary source of information for many people (Olajide & Bamidele, 2021). Nevertheless, accessibility challenges continue to exist, especially in remote areas where electricity supply and TV ownership are limited—thus restricting the NTA’s potential outreach (Agbaje, 2019). Furthermore, the credibility of NTA’s content is sometimes questioned due to the influence of media ownership and political control over broadcast materials (McQuail, 2010). These challenges highlight the importance of examining how effectively and impartially the NTA contributed to voter mobilization during the 2023 elections. Additionally, the growing role of digital and social media platforms has introduced alternative sources of election-related information for Nigerian citizens, which may be diminishing the traditional influence of broadcasters like the NTA (Olatunji, 2021). Although online platforms offer real-time updates and interactive content, television still plays a key role in reaching populations with limited internet access. This interplay between traditional and digital media during the 2023 elections calls for an evaluation of how the NTA adapted to the evolving media landscape to remain a relevant force in encouraging voter participation (Uche, 2019). In light of these considerations, this study aims to examine the role played by the Nigerian Television Authority in mobilizing the electorate during the 2023 general elections. 1.2 Statement of the Problem The 2023 general election in Nigeria was a landmark event that underscored the importance of effective voter mobilization in a functioning democracy. The media, particularly television, played a crucial role in shaping public perception and engaging the electorate. As the largest television network in the country, the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) was expected to take the lead in disseminating election-related information, educating voters, and encouraging active participation in the democratic process. Despite its widespread coverage, there has been limited comprehensive evaluation of the NTA’s performance during the election. Prior research stresses that the media’s function during elections extends beyond just delivering news; it also involves promoting democratic participation and equipping voters with the knowledge needed to make informed choices (Akinwale, 2022; Okon, 2021). Concerns have been raised about potential bias in media coverage, insufficient representation of opposition parties, and how political affiliations may influence broadcast content (Ojo, 2020). The fact that NTA is government-owned has led to questions about its objectivity and its ability to mobilize voters in a fair and balanced manner (Agbaje, 2019). Additionally, accessibility issues in rural areas persist, where many eligible voters may not have reliable access to television (Olajide & Bamidele, 2021). Consequently, this study seeks to investigate and evaluate the effectiveness of the NTA’s role in mobilizing the electorate during the 2023 general election in Nigeria. 1.3 Objective of the Study The general objective of this study is to assess the role of the Nigerian Television Authority in mobilizing the electorate during the 2023 general elections. The specific objectives are to: i. Examine the extent of NTA’s coverage of election-related activities during the 2023 elections. ii. Analyze the influence of NTA’s electoral broadcasts on voter turnout. iii. Assess how NTA’s election coverage contributed to mobilizing voters. iv. Identify challenges encountered by the NTA in reaching the electorate during the 2023 elections. 1.4 Research Questions To guide the study, the following research questions are posed: i. To what extent did the NTA cover election-related events during the 2023 general elections? ii. What impact did NTA’s electoral broadcasts have on voter turnout during the 2023 elections? iii. How did NTA’s coverage contribute to voter mobilization during the election period? iv. What were the challenges the NTA faced in reaching voters during the 2023 elections? 1.5 Significance of the Study This study holds value for media regulatory bodies and policymakers as it provides insights that can inform necessary reforms to improve the quality, neutrality, and effectiveness of electoral coverage. The findings can support the creation of policies that promote fair reporting by state-run media, thereby strengthening democratic practices in Nigeria. Additionally, the research contributes to media literacy efforts by encouraging the public to critically assess information sources. This is particularly important in curbing misinformation and ensuring that citizens make well-informed decisions. The study will also benefit the academic community by enriching existing literature, enhancing academic resources, and serving as a reference for future researchers who wish to explore media and electoral processes in Nigeria. 1.6 Scope of the Study This research focuses on evaluating the role played by the Nigerian Television Authority in mobilizing voters during the 2023 general elections. Empirically, it will examine the scope of NTA’s election coverage, assess its impact on voter turnout, explore its role in voter mobilization, and identify challenges it faced in engaging with the electorate. Geographically, the study is limited to the activities of the NTA within Lagos State, Nigeria. 1.7 Limitations of the Study As with most academic work, this research faced a few constraints. Time Constraints: The researcher had to balance this study with other academic commitments, such as attending lectures and completing assignments, which limited the time available for thorough fieldwork. Financial Limitations: Conducting the research came with notable expenses, including the cost of printing, accessing relevant literature, and data collection. Material Availability: Finding literature specifically addressing this area of study proved challenging, as resources and previous research on the topic were somewhat limited. 1.8 Definition of Terms Electorates: Refers to individuals who are eligible to vote. In this study, it specifically denotes Nigerian citizens who qualified to participate in the 2023 general elections. Mobilization: The process of encouraging and organizing people to actively participate in an activity. Here, it refers to the efforts by the NTA to motivate and engage voters during the 2023 elections. Nigerian Television Authority (NTA): A government-owned TV broadcasting network established in 1977. It is the largest broadcaster in Nigeria, tasked with providing the public with information, education, and entertainment. Election: A formal process through which citizens vote to select political leaders or decide on policies. In the context of this study, it refers to the 2023 general elections in Nigeria, including both presidential and legislative polls. Voter Education: Efforts aimed at informing people about the voting process, including registration, voting procedures, and the importance of participating in elections.