Role of Newspaper in Political Mobilisation in Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the role of newspapers in political mobilisation in Nigeria using Enugu South as a case study. The author seeks to discover how newspaper publications influence readers’ thoughts and actions regarding political participation. The study is premised on the basic assumptions of the Agenda Setting Theory. A descriptive survey design was adopted to elicit information using a questionnaire as the instrument for data collection. Findings from the study reveal that newspaper content can influence locals to participate in politics and elections. Results also show that newspapers publish content related to politics and elections daily, and such publications shape readers’ attitudes regarding politics. Hence, the study concludes that the newspaper is critical in building a sustainable democracy through advocating for political participation. Moreover, a majority of respondents in this study believe that newspapers shape their attitudes toward political participation. Therefore, this study recommends that the government mandate newspaper organisations to present detailed publications regarding elections and politics in the buildup to an election which will help citizens understand their importance and role in electioneering. Political parties should use newspapers for campaign participation in elections rather than the newspapers to propagate their candidate alone, which will help citizens be aware of their importance in the political process.