Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine The role of Nigerian Television Authority in the
mobilization of the electorates for political elections (A study of 2011 general elections
in Makurdi Local Government Area). The study adopted the survey design using the
questionnaire as the research instrument. The study addressed three research
questions. The findings revealed among others that television has a major role in
mobilizing citizens for political elections. The study recommended that the masses
should be much more involved in electoral processes to enhance good governance and
a better democracy through network participation that is, through election call centers
for complains.
1.1 Background of study
Election as a Mass Mobilization and participatory activity usually start when an
electoral system is put in place and serves as a mechanism for shaping political
competition, power sharing and resource allocation by definition, election is the act of
choosing or selecting one or more persons from a greater number of person to serve as
representatives in the taking of decisions that affect public interest and the allocation of
national power and resources in acceptable manner (israel2009, p.113).
Robert and John (1974) in Ntete-Nna (2004,p.289) report that the essential role
of election is to act as a mechanism whereby leaders are circumscribed and made aware
that there is a contingent one at least where there is real possibility that they may be
outside from office.
Television plays different roles in the lives of its audience, to many; it could be an
educative, informative as well as an entertainment medium. Although the use of
television alone may not create total awareness to individuals as a result of its
restraining factor such as expensiveness, irregular power supply and so on. It is believed
that the television will create more sensitized atmosphere for information on issues
affecting the society at large, this is where Nigerian Television Authority (N.T.A) Makurdi
comes in as a mobiliser of the electorate for political elections.
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BRIEF HISTORY OF NIGERIAN TELEVISION AUTHORITY (N.T.A)
In 1976, more states were created and the number of the states increased from 12 to 19
states, this witnessed the emergence of state owned television stations and prompted
the federal government to take over the television stations in 1977 establishing the
Nigerian television authority (N.T.A). One of the roles of Nigerian Television Authority
(N.T.A) is to inform the citizens about the importance of elections and why they should
vote. N.T.A should also educate the masses on the codes of conduct as stated by the
Nigerian electoral act and brief them about candidates of the competing parties as well
as their party manifestoes.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The incessant problem of electoral malpractices associated with godfatherism, for
instance snatching of ballot boxes, political thuggery, rigging and so on was often caused
by little or no enlightenment on the choices we make as electorates. Poor political
education of the procedures involved in the election such as the process of registering,
obtaining a voters card, accreditation, the right pattern of voting have constituted
serious problems in our voting activities. The Mass Media as the voice of the people play
important roles in the entire political activities.it is part of the duty of the Media to
sufficiently mobilize the electorate for the electoral activities the question this research
seeks to answer is: how has the N.T.A Makurdi effectively mobilized the electorate for
successful electoral activities during elections in Makurdi local Government Area of
Benue state.
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1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The objectives of the study were as follows:
1. To find out whether N.T.A Makurdi was a choice of medium for the people of Makurdi
local Government Area.
2. To find out if N.T.A Makurdi political messages satisfied the people’s political desires.
3. To determine the extent N.T.A Makurdi effectively mobilized the people’s
participation in the electoral process of 2011 election.
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1. To what extent was N.T.A Makurdi a choice medium for the people of Makurdi
Local Government Area?
2. How did N.T.A Makurdi political messages satisfy the people’s political desires?
3. To what extent did N.T.A Makurdi effectively mobilize the people’s participation in
the electoral process of 2011?
1.5SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The study focused on Makurdi local Government Area and the electorate of local
Government. Although the study is limited to the electorate in Makurdi Local
Government Area, it is assumed that in Nigeria generally, the electorate has similar
characteristics. Based on this assumption, the result of the findings could be
generalized.
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1.6SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The findings of the study would be significant in several ways.
1. It would serve as a reference material both for students and other researchers, who
may have need for information and documentations on this area of academic
study.
2. The findings would also be helpful to other media organizations in their planning
and execution of electoral programs
3. The findings would also offer the electorate the opportunity to air their views on
the way and manner media organizations handle election programs.
1.7 OPERATIONAL DEFINATIONOF SIGNIFICAL TERMS
Broadcast: this involves sending out programs, information, ideas to the public through
the mass media for instance; television, radio, internet etc.
Conflict: it is a situation of disagreement occurring between entities, people, group or
organization.
Elections: this is a system of choosing a person or group of people for positions in the
society by a legal way of voting.
Enfranchise: this is the right given to an individual to participate in elections.
Electorate: these are the people in a given area or country who have the right to vote.
Malpractise: a system of ill behavior that does not foster positive responsiveness.
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Media: It is the vehicle through which messages, information, ideas, demands and so on
are passed across to the masses.
Mobilization: an act of organizing a group of people to partake in a task or incident in
other to achieve a desired goal or objective.
Politics: these are activities connected with the state government or general affairs. It
usually involves competition between different parties on leadership positions based on
election.
Region: a large area of land usually without exact boarders that a country is usually
divided into comprising of its own customs and government. For example in Nigeria we
have the northern region.
Stigmatization: a feeling of unimportance, un-acceptance usually caused by the
treatment that people give to you.
Television: it is an essential part of mass media which transmit pictures and sound
signals over long distance through electromagnetic radiation. It is a medium of
communication that enhances believability through its sight and sound appeal.
Democracy: a political system in which the people of the country rule through any form
of government they choose to establish.