Assessing the changing Nature of voters’ Apathy in Nigeria: a comparison of the old and new media

                          Abstract

There is increasing global realization that credible elections constitute a major factor in democracy, democratization and good governance. However, it is important to note that there still exists voter apathy among the electorates even though communication operators disclosed the shift from the old media (traditional media) to the new media that encompasses the internet and the social media platforms.

Despite the electrifying effect of the Nigerian 2015 general elections, it was discovered that less than half of the registered voters, 42.76%, officially voted. Invariably, without voters, or without a sufficient turnout, there can be no true elections that would reflect people’s preferences. Thus, this study assesses the changing nature of voter apathy in the 2015 general elections; a comparison of old and new media in Nigeria.

The study adopted survey method- qualitative and quantitative research design. The sample consisted of 400 respondent using clustering and Proportional sampling technique to administer questionnaires to each of the wards within the study area i.e Ilorin West Local Government of Kwara State. Four research objectives were raised and analysed using statistical methods i.e frequency distribution tables, simple percentages and cumulative frequency.

The results revealed that most Nigerians on the social media platforms, only pay lip service and fail to cast their votes at the 2015 general election; as many Nigerians may follow political candidates on social media but might not likely come out to cast their votes for such candidates. The study also confirmed that the electoral commission needs to design new voting process that will allow Nigerians to vote at the comfort of their households. The research work also showed that most eligible electorates perceived voting as waste of time and only register due to the importance of voters’ cards but not interested in voting. Furthermore, the research work also revealed that that Parties’ indoor campaigns, Traditional leaders, religious clergy political sensitization information arouse the interest of eligible Nigerians towards active political participation.

Based on these findings, it was recommended that Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Department of State Security, the Nigerian Press Council and Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria (BON) should collaborate to monitor the electioneering campaigns of candidates of various political parties to ensure that they do not engage in hate speeches and sanction media houses that go against the regulations and code of conduct of the Broadcasting and press institution. Furthermore, more political parties should be encouraged by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to have a noticeable presence on the internet and lastly, the electoral body, INEC, politicians, the media and the government should together towards voter mobilization as it is a fundamental antidote for voter apathy.

Assessing_the_Changing_Nature_of_Voters_Apathy_in_Nigeria__A_Comparison_of_Old_and_New_Media20190521-65061-1lx8e9x.pdf

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