MEDIA FRAMING OF VOTING PROCESS DURING THE 2023 GENERAL ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA

This study examined how Nigerian media framed the voting process during the 2023 General Election, with particular focus on four major newspapers—Daily Nigeria, Punch, Vanguard, and Daily Trust. The objective was to identify the dominant frames, tones (valence), and sources used in the media coverage of the election. The study adopted a descriptive research design using quantitative content analysis. A total of 50 media reports were sampled across the four newspapers, covering the pre-election, election day, and post-election periods. Data were coded according to frame type (conflict, human-interest, economic, ethnic/identity, strategic, and others), valence (positive, negative, neutral), and source of information (INEC officials, political parties, voters, social media, and observers). Findings revealed that the Conflict Frame was the most dominant across the analyzed reports, indicating that Nigerian newspapers primarily emphasized political competition, party disputes, and controversies surrounding the election outcome. This was followed by the Strategic Frame, focusing on campaign strategies and political calculations, and the Human-Interest Frame, which highlighted voters’ experiences and emotional appeals. The tone of coverage was largely negative, especially in Punch and Vanguard, portraying the election as marred by irregularities, violence, and logistical challenges. The analysis also showed that INEC and political parties were the most frequently cited sources, while social media posts and election observers played complementary roles in verifying information and providing external credibility. The study concluded that Nigerian media played a crucial but complex role in shaping public understanding of the 2023 electoral process. The study recommended more balanced and constructive framing of elections, increased use of citizen voices, and stronger adherence to ethical reporting standards to promote democratic stability and public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process.