Political Reporting and Electoral Viokence in Nigeian 1999-2011

ABSTRACT

This study focuses on political reporting and electoral violence in Nigeria from 1999-2011. The study notes that crisis has become a regular characteristic feature of virtually all the post-independent elections in Nigeria to the extent that academics across disciplines have concluded that since independence on October 1, 1960, the electioneering process in Nigeria has been an experience of tears, blood and sorrow, (Akinboye, 2009; Akinfeleye, 2004; Olurode, 2011; Ologbenla, 2003; Ogbeide, 2010 & Fadakinte, 2014).

Thus far, hardly was there any election in the country that did not end in serious disputations, crisis, violence and at times, blood letting. The study is curious about this development especially why the mass media which are globally regarded as the playing field of politics could be fingered as contributory agents of electoral violence.

The study is curious about this development because if the playing field for politics suddenly develops contour, then the game of politics will be devoid of convivial and smooth playing. Besides the 1999 general elections whose conduct was internationally adjudged peaceful, all other elections covered by this study i.e. 2003, 2007 and 2011 were all characterized by monumental violence.