CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0   Background of the study

Political development in Nigeria has taken a centre stage in recent times. This is anchored on the fact that since May 29, 1999, the country has maintained a stable democratic dispensation.

The mass media have exerted, and are still exerting great influence on a wide range of political and social issues as powerful communication tools. On the one hand, mass media can be used as political instruments for building a nation and promoting the legitimacy of a regime by shaping the nation’s political culture and influencing its public opinion Mass media serve as the watchdogs of governmental performance, realizing that mass media can play very important roles in influencing politics; scholars in both political science and communication studies have conducted considerable research to explore the interaction between media and politics, Black (1982). Mass media have the ability to serve both illiterate and literate people unlike the traditional media.

Mass media have played major roles in greasing the wheels of the country’s political mobilization. They made unbeatable contributions to the enhancement of the country’s growth as exemplified in its massive political education, enlightenment, awareness, consciousness and provision of discussion platforms, debates and presentations.

These functions were manifested during campaign towards local, state or general elections. It therefore provided the electorate the opportunity to project the manifestos and political parties programmes for the elections.