CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
The history of elections has afforded Nigerian nation generally the golden chance of assessment of the divergent roles of the media ownership in Nigeria political process within the framework of our national political goal. The issue and question of education, information, mobilization and observation has become a very crucial factor in the realization of the national objectives within the context of the electoral process. This is often as a result of the ugly incidences of different style/forms of electoral malpractices that have repeatedly threatened the possibility of credible elections and national integration in Nigeria. Though the issue at stake is the responsibility of all stakeholders in the body politic, there is however, a rationale in assigning this responsibility as a primary concern of the media ownership on the ground of professional competence as the fourth estate of the realm. It has therefore, become very important to assess the roles of the privately owned radio stations in the electoral history of Nigeria. To what extent has the Nigerian media ownership discharged its statutory functions towards achieving a positive political national agenda? Iredia (2007) the former Director General of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), states the problem in this regard very clearly that, the people must be assisted to premise their choices of rationality and vote wisely during elections. They must have all information that is needed to elect the right candidates who can ensure good governance. Where such public awareness is lacking, those of us in the media must accept a share of the blame of failed elections in Nigeria. This paper presumes an understanding of the meaning of election or electioneering campaign in politics as a periodic selection of government representatives of the people at various levels of governance by the electorate themselves. It is often argued that a credible and peaceful democratic election is impossible without the mass media. The mass media refers to as the fourth branch of government (the first three are the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary) because of the power they wield and the oversight function they exercise (Idumange, 2013) constitutes the backbone of any democratic state in the world. The media no doubt are essential to democracy. In a democracy, the media assists in building an environment conducive to democracy, promotes free choice of leadership, respect for the rule of law by the rulers and the ruled, social justice and equity as well as respect for human rights (Obasanjo & Mabogunje, 2008) and have the responsibility to ensure that the
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