USE OF THE INTERNET FOR POLITICAL COMMUNICATION IN ABUJA MUNICIPAL AREA AND SHENDAM LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA: CASE OF NIGERIA 2011 GENERAL ELECTIONS

USE OF THE INTERNET FOR POLITICAL COMMUNICATION IN ABUJA MUNICIPAL AREA AND SHENDAM LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA: CASE OF NIGERIA 2011 GENERAL ELECTIONS

Abstract:

The study is on use of the internet for political communication in Abuja municipal area of Abuja federal capital territory and Shendam local government area of Plateau State: Case of Nigeria 2011 general elections. This study has three major purposes: (1) determine the usefulness of internet-based political campaigns to voters’ decision making during the election, (2) identify the problems associated with the use of internet-based political campaign during the election, and (3) ascertain the level of contribution of internet-based political campaigns in addressing challenges associated with the use of traditional media for political campaign during the election. Sample for the study was selected using quota and purposive sampling techniques. The respondents for the study comprised voters in Abuja Municipal Area, and Shendam Local Government Area, who were 18 years old before the 2011 Nigeria general election and had registered for voting in the election; as well as web consultants, and campaign managers of political parties. Data for this study were collected using both questionnaire and interview schedule. Findings from the study indicated that majority of voters did not access or come in contact with internet-based political campaigns during the election. The problems associated with the use of internet as a medium for political campaign during the election for political parties were illiteracy among voters, technical challenges, and inadequate electricity to run computers, among others. In terms of the usefulness of internet based campaigns to voters’ decision making among voters who access internet-based political campaigns, the study found among others, that internet-based campaigns helped them to make up their minds on choice of candidates. Internet-based political campaign was relatively successful in addressing challenges associated with the use of traditional media for political campaign for candidates and voters. Based on these findings the study recommended that urgent improvement of the internet infrastructure in Nigeria is needed. Factors that drive up cost of internet use should be addressed by internet operators and the government to bring down cost. Candidates and political parties should raise more competent internet campaign management teams to improve effective use of the internet for political campaigns during future elections.

USE OF THE INTERNET FOR POLITICAL COMMUNICATION IN ABUJA MUNICIPAL AREA AND SHENDAM LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA: CASE OF NIGERIA 2011 GENERAL ELECTIONS