Coverage of the 2015 Nigerian Presidential Election Campaigns by Select Mainstream Nigerian Newspapers

Abstract

This study was designed to determine the coverage of the 2015 Nigerian presidential election campaigns by select Nigerian newspapers. Using the content analysis method, the researchers studied four newspapers (The Nation, The Punch, Nigerian Tribune and The Guardian) and found out that the four newspapers covered the 2015 presidential election campaigns by reporting issues
that were important to the electorate. However, some of the newspapers, most especially the ones owned by politicians exhibited bias in their coverage of the election campaigns. They also demonstrated unethical values by using sensational headlines, hate speeches and inciting comments. Based on the findings, it was recommended that Nigerian newspapers should do away with bias reporting and
ownership influence by playing the role of an umpire, rather than taking sides during the electoral process among others.