https://ir.nilds.gov.ng//handle/123456789/46 MEPP 2026-04-21T11:21:33Z https://ir.nilds.gov.ng//handle/123456789/1610 Perception of Social Media Influence on the 2023 National Assembly Election: A Study of the 2023 National Assembly Elections in Karu Community, FCT, Nigeria. Ayeni, Rachel Titilayo The mass adoption of social media and its influence on all aspects of life including the democratic process is undeniable. Meanwhile, the perception of social media as it influenced the decision of the electorate in the 2023 National Assembly election in the Karu Community of Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria was blurred, Despite the large percentage of youth who are users and enthusiasts of social media the outcome of 2023 National Assembly Election in the community above did not seem to reflect the influence of social media. In Karu ward (Abuja Municipal Area Council-AMAC) Abuja, All incumbent chairmen won the chairmanship election during the 2023 election. However, the incumbent senator of (Abuja Municipal Area Council-AMAC) lost Senate of the National Assembly to another party candidate. This research work intends to provide answers to the following objectives: The primary objective of this study is to assess the perception of social media influence on the 2023 election: a study of the 2023 national assembly elections in Karu community, FCT, Nigeria. The specific objectives are as follows: i. To examine the Social Media platform(s) between Facebook and X (formally Twitter) that is predominantly used in the 2023 National Assembly Elections in Karu community, FCT Nigeria. ii. To assess the influence of social media platforms [Facebook and X (formally Twitter)] on voter perceptions during the 2023 National Assembly Elections in Karu community, FCT Nigeria. iii. What challenges do individuals encounter when utilizing social media (Facebook and X (formally Twitter) for political information within the context of electoral processes? To identify the challenges associated with the use of social media [Facebook and X (formally Twitter)] in electoral processes Utilizing the Agenda Setting and Democratic Theory, this study investigated the influence of social media on the 2023 National Assembly elections in Karu Community, FCT. Employing a survey research design with an online questionnaire, data was collected from 100 registered electorate (respondents) for the 2023 election in Karu (Abuja Municipal Area Council-AMAC). The responses were analysed using a simple percentage. The findings highlighted the widespread and impactful role of social media in daily engagement, with Twitter, WhatsApp and Facebook as primary channels for election-related information. The dominance of user-generated content emphasized active citizen participation in shaping political narratives. The prevalence of fake news or misinformation underscored the need for vigilance and fact-checking during elections, emphasizing the necessity for effective strategies to combat misinformation and streamline information dissemination. The study concluded that social media not only boosted voter participation but also shaped electoral outcomes during the 2023 National Assembly elections across various demographics. Recommendations include the urgent need for enhancing civic education and digital media literacy programs. Also, implementing effective fact-checking mechanisms directly on social media platforms can swiftly identify and label misinformation, contributing to a more accurate information environment. Regularly reviewing and updating policies on social media platforms is crucial for their relevance and effectiveness in combating misinformation and encouraging a healthy political discourse. Collaborating with government agencies, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders is encouraged to collectively tackle challenges and promote responsible social media use during elections. 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://ir.nilds.gov.ng//handle/123456789/1603 Elections and Voter Apathy in Nigeria: An Assessment of 2022 Governorship Elections in Ekiti State Mohammed, Waziri Ibrahim Credible elections significantly contribute to democracy, democratization, and good governance globally. This research focuses on the 2022 governorship elections in Ekiti State, offering insights into voter apathy in Nigeria. The study examines the causes of low turnout, aiming to evaluate voter participation trends, identify reasons for apathy, and propose solutions. Using a qualitative research design, data is gathered from primary and secondary sources, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, Civil Society Organizations, and the public. Participants, purposively sampled (twenty [20] respondents), provide insights through Key Informant Interviews. Data analysis employs content analysis and thematic examination. Findings reveal declining voter turnout in Ekiti State over the past three elections, with an average rate of 42.72%, below the global average of 66.1%. Factors contributing to apathy include the unpredictable political landscape, the interplay between campaign promises and participation, socioeconomic influences, the efficacy of voter education, and corruption. Strategies to reduce apathy and enhance participation involve strengthening civic education, combating vote-buying, engaging voters, ensuring transparency, and leveraging technology. Implementation of these strategies can raise awareness and mitigate voter apathy in Ekiti State and beyond. 2023-06-01T00:00:00Z https://ir.nilds.gov.ng//handle/123456789/1590 Civil Society Organisations and Electoral Democracy in Nigeria: A Focus on Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) in the 2019 General Election Abuh, Nkechi Blessing The roles played by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), especially in democratic environments globally, have contributed tremendously towards the conduct of free, fair and credible elections as well as in supporting electoral institutional processes. Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), a CSO participating in the Nigerian electoral process, carried out several activities around the 2019 general election cycle (pre-election, during the election and post-election stages). This research studied the roles played by PLAC in the 2019 General Election. It also examined the specific activities carried out by PLAC in the 3 stages of the 2019 General election with particular focus on how those specific activities impacted the outcome of the election. The qualitative research method was adopted in carrying out this research work. It involved the collection of texts, interviews, observation and documentary evidence in answering each of the research questions raised by the study. The primary data was collected through semi-structured interviews conducted with nine (9) Staff of PLAC who had been in its employ in the 2019 electoral cycle. The result of the study established that PLAC participated in the three stages of the 2019 electoral cycle by mapping out all its programs, activities and resources around the three election stages. Some of the specific activities carried out by PLAC in the 2019 electoral cycle included policy advocacy for electoral reforms and improvements, voter education campaigns to raise awareness about the electoral process, establishment of a central situation room hub for effective election observation to assess the conduct of the 2019 general election, election reporting to highlight key findings and make recommendations on areas of improvement for future elections as well as conduct of post-election analysis with relevant stakeholders to discuss identified areas of strengths, weaknesses and recommendations. The Impact of these activities and other roles by PLAC on the outcome of the 2019 General Election were summarized as increased voter awareness and empowerment, mitigation of escalation of conflicts and violence in many Polling Units on election day as well as advocacy for electoral reforms (arising from the gaps noted during the election). The study recommended that PLAC, as well as all CSOs in the electoral process, understand that election is a process not an event so that they may set effective agendas around the 3 stages of each of the electoral cycle. They may also conduct a needs - analysis of the 3 stages of the cycle so that they can proportionately deploy their resources effectively to each of these stages to ensure positive electoral outcomes that will promote electoral democracy in Nigeria 2023-04-01T00:00:00Z https://ir.nilds.gov.ng//handle/123456789/1578 Elections and the Quest for Democratic Consolidation in Nigeria: Towards a Nexus Ekerette, John Umanah This study is intended to examine Elections and the Quest for Democratic Consolidation in Nigeria: Towards a Nexus. The objectives were: to examine the role of credible election in deepening democracy in Nigeria; to evaluate the extent to which the general elections since 1999 have laid the foundation for democratic consolidation in Nigeria; to examine the effectiveness of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in election management in Nigeria; to examine the place of Constitutional/ Legal and Institutional factors in democratic Consolidation in Nigeria; and to identify the factors inhibiting credible, free and fair elections as well as democratic consolidation in Nigeria. The study adopted the survey research design, deploying the purposive sampling technique and Taro Yamane to determine the sample size and population. Primary data were gathered through questionnaires while secondary data were collected from published documents. The study found that there is a substantial connection between periodic elections and democratic consolidation. This is because elections provide political education and consciousness among citizens and ensure that political leaders hearken to the demands of the public. It also shows that INEC has fared well in the conduct of elections and that series of electoral reforms have contributed to improving the conduct of elections in Nigeria. Specifically, the Electoral Act 2022 has reformed the electoral process by granting INEC financial autonomy, early part primaries, the extension of the timeframe for campaigns by political parties, the establishment of a central electronic voter database, electoral technology, etc. Based on the findings of this study, the study recommended that critical actors in the nation’s electoral space should synergize to improve the health, vitality and credibility of elections in Nigeria: This can be achieved through the following: a. the independence of the judiciary and timely dispensation of judgments arising from elections before the winner is sworn-in; b. transparent voting and counting; c. voter registration and issuance of PVCs should be a continuous exercise in order not to disenfranchise some Nigerians who genuinely want to vote in elections. The study further recommended increased and adequate funding of INEC; adequate security to protect electoral materials and officials; etc. 2023-06-01T00:00:00Z