MOBILIZATION OF VOTERS

The study is focused on examining role of the mass media in mobilization of voters in Nigeria. It aimed at examining the extent to which the media have been actively involved in the election processes in Nigeria, ascertaining the extent to which the media educated and mobilized the electorate about the 2023 general elections, finding out the roles of the media play to ensure a free, fair and credible election and determining the factors impeding Mass media mobilization of voters in Nigeria and solutions. For its theoretical framework, the study adopted the Agenda setting theory. While the survey research method was used to gather the data used for the study. Findings of the study revealed that residents of Oredo LGA, Edo State are aware of efforts made by the media to sensitize voters during election and the media helps in providing information, education and mobilization during election. The findings also indicate that while the positive role of the press during the election is emphasized, religious biases, ethnic divides, low technological penetration and traditional beliefs played an active role in impeding voters mobilization during the 2023 general
elections in Nigeria. The researcher therefore concluded that prevailing issues should addressed to encourage voters to participate in upcoming elections in the future. The researcher recommended that the media should put in more efforts to educate the populace on their political rights as this would increase voters turnout in subsequent elections. The researcher also recommended that other channels through which the general public can be informed, enlightened and mobilized should be utilized during elections, as these can play a vital role in the overall development of the society and politics in particular.