Media and Politics: A Case Study of the Buhari Regime (May 29, 2015 – May 29, 2023)
Chapter One
Objectives of the Study
The study aims to achieve the following specific objectives:
- To analyze the role of traditional and social media in shaping public opinion and political narratives during the Buhari administration (2015–2023).
- To examine the impact of government policies and actions on press freedom and media practices during this period.
- To evaluate the influence of social media activism on governance and policy-making in Nigeria under Buhari’s regime.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Conceptual Review
Media
Media, in its ordinary meaning, encompasses the various communication channels used to disseminate information to the public. These include traditional platforms such as newspapers, television, and radio, as well as digital platforms like social media and online news outlets. In essence, the media serves as a bridge between the public and the information they need to stay informed (Akinyetun, 2020).
Scholars have attempted to define media within the context of its role in communication and society. According to Adegbola and Gearhart (2020), media refers to any medium through which ideas and information are transmitted, significantly influencing political engagement and public opinion. Similarly, Deane (2023) views media as a crucial element in democratic societies, shaping public discourse and enabling citizens to hold governments accountable. These definitions highlight the pivotal role of media in communication and governance.
The concept of media is not without its complexities and critiques. While it is celebrated for its ability to promote transparency and foster civic participation, it has also been criticized for perpetuating biases and spreading misinformation. Cheeseman et al. (2020) note that in countries like Nigeria, media can sometimes serve partisan interests, undermining its role as an impartial source of information. Furthermore, the digital age has introduced challenges such as fake news and algorithm-driven echo chambers that skew public perception and decision-making.
Despite these limitations, the relevance of media in political studies remains significant. It facilitates political campaigns, educates the electorate, and shapes public opinion on governance and policy issues. However, its limitations, including accessibility gaps and potential manipulation, necessitate a critical approach to its usage and evaluation (Ayalew, 2021). In this regard, media serves both as a powerful tool and a complex subject in political discourse.
Politics
Politics, in its general understanding, refers to the activities associated with governance, decision-making, and the exercise of power within a society. It encompasses the mechanisms through which individuals or groups make collective decisions, resolve conflicts, and allocate resources. At its core, politics involves negotiation, compromise, and the distribution of authority, often within governmental or organizational contexts (Campbell & Quinn, 2021).
Scholars have provided varied definitions of politics based on disciplinary perspectives. According to Chazan (2020), politics is the process of influencing others to achieve desired objectives, particularly in public administration and governance. Castells (2023) describes politics as a framework for mediating power relations within society, often structured through formal institutions like governments or informal networks such as civil movements. These definitions underscore the centrality of power, decision-making, and social organization in the political process.
In media studies, politics is analyzed as a domain deeply intertwined with communication. Media serves as a platform for political actors to disseminate their agendas, mobilize support, and influence public opinion. Asamoah (2019) argues that politics and media are symbiotic, with media providing visibility to political processes while politics offers content for media discourse. This interdependence is particularly evident in the digital era, where platforms like social media amplify political participation and enable real-time engagement between leaders and the public. However, the relationship between media and politics is not always equitable; it can be marred by propaganda, selective reporting, and unequal access to media platforms, as highlighted by Cheeseman et al. (2020).
Despite its relevance, contextualizing politics within media research presents constraints. One significant limitation is the inherent subjectivity in political narratives. Media outlets often reflect biases that align with their editorial policies or ownership interests, limiting their ability to provide balanced political coverage (Deane, 2023). Furthermore, the influence of global media conglomerates often overshadows local political contexts, leading to a homogenized portrayal of political issues that may not resonate with local realities. Additionally, the commercialization of media has prioritized sensationalism over substantive political discourse, reducing the depth and quality of political reporting (Akinpelu, 2020).
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
Research Design
Research design is a critical component in any study, providing a structured framework that guides the entire research process. According to Saunders, Lewis, and Thornhill (2019), research design refers to the plan or blueprint that outlines the procedures for collecting, measuring, and analyzing data. For this study, a quantitative research design was chosen, specifically a survey approach. This design was adopted due to its capacity to gather large amounts of data efficiently and analyze it numerically, which is well-suited for studying a large sample of respondents.
The choice of a quantitative research design was justified by the nature of the study’s objectives, which sought to examine patterns, relationships, and statistical data within a defined population. Bell (2022) emphasized that quantitative research designs, such as surveys, are appropriate for studies that aim to quantify variables and generalize results to a larger population. Additionally, this design allowed for the collection of standardized data through structured questionnaires, which facilitated the comparison of responses across participants.
A survey was deemed suitable for this research because it provided an efficient means to obtain information from a large number of participants, thus ensuring that the findings could be generalized to the broader population of interest. Furthermore, a quantitative approach enabled the use of statistical tools to analyze the data, providing objective results that enhanced the validity and reliability of the study’s findings.
Population of the Study
The population of a study refers to the entire group of individuals or elements that meet certain criteria and from which the sample is drawn. The target population for this study was identified as 1200 respondents, selected from a specific demographic group. This population was carefully chosen based on the characteristics relevant to the study’s objectives.
According to Charan and Biswas (2019), a clearly defined population is crucial for ensuring that the results of a study are relevant and applicable to the intended group. In this case, the respondents were selected because they possessed the necessary attributes to provide valuable insights into the research questions. The decision to focus on this specific population was based on the relevance of the research topic to their experiences, knowledge, or characteristics. It was necessary to identify and define the population carefully to ensure that the sample would reflect the diversity of perspectives relevant to the study.
The sample population of 1200 respondents was deemed sufficient to provide a comprehensive and diverse range of responses. Bell, Bryman, and Harley (2019) noted that the size and diversity of the target population influence the robustness and generalizability of the study’s findings, and this was a key consideration in determining the target population for the research.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
Data Presentation
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary of Findings
This study explored the role of traditional and social media in shaping public opinion and political narratives during the Buhari administration (2015–2023) and examined the impact of government policies on press freedom and the influence of social media activism on governance and policy-making. The findings reveal significant insights into the evolving relationship between media, government, and public perception during this period.
Traditional media, including radio, television, and print journalism, continued to play a key role in shaping political narratives, though its influence was notably more pronounced among older demographics and those with limited access to digital platforms. A substantial portion of respondents strongly agreed that traditional media had a significant impact on shaping political narratives, reinforcing its traditional role as a primary source of information for the public. However, social media emerged as an even more influential tool in shaping political discourse during Buhari’s tenure. With platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram facilitating real-time communication and offering diverse viewpoints, social media allowed for a more dynamic and interactive political discussion, contrasting with the more controlled narratives found in traditional media.
Government policies under Buhari’s administration were widely perceived as having a negative impact on press freedom. Respondents indicated that these policies created a restrictive environment for journalists and media outlets, particularly through actions like censorship, media shutdowns, and the intimidation of journalists. This negative impact on press freedom contributed to a climate where many media practitioners and outlets exercised self-censorship, fearing government retribution. Such government actions were seen as deliberate attempts to limit independent media voices and curtail free expression, particularly in critical discussions of government policies.
The control exerted by the government over media outlets was another focal point of the study. A majority of respondents believed that media outlets were often restricted or censored, particularly when covering sensitive or critical issues. This restriction was viewed as part of a broader strategy by the government to maintain a monopoly over the narrative, limiting the media’s ability to hold the administration accountable. This control was considered a key obstacle to a free press and robust public discourse, essential components of a functioning democracy.
Social media activism played a crucial role in shaping governance and policy-making during this period. It served as a platform for citizens to voice their opinions, mobilize for change, and challenge the government on various fronts, from corruption to human rights abuses. The widespread use of social media enabled activists to organize protests, raise awareness on critical issues, and demand accountability from the government. Respondents noted that social media activism was vital in pressuring the government to reconsider certain policies and take action on issues that might otherwise have been overlooked.
Despite the positive influence of social media activism, the study found that activists were often persecuted by the government. Many respondents agreed that social media activists faced harassment, threats, and even arrests due to their opposition to the government. This persecution underscored the risks faced by those who dared to challenge the administration’s policies, highlighting the tension between the government’s desire to control dissent and the power of social media as a tool for democratic engagement.
In summary, the findings demonstrate that both traditional and social media played significant roles in shaping political narratives during Buhari’s administration. Social media, in particular, proved to be an influential platform for public engagement, activism, and policy influence, although government policies sought to suppress these efforts. The study also highlights the ongoing struggle for press freedom in Nigeria, with government actions limiting the media’s ability to operate independently and journalists facing increasing threats. Social media activism, while crucial in holding the government accountable, also exposed activists to significant risks, illustrating the complex dynamics between media, activism, and government during this period.
Conclusion
The findings of this study emphasize the significant role both traditional and social media played in shaping political narratives and public opinion during Buhari’s presidency (2015–2023). While traditional media continued to influence public discourse, social media emerged as a more powerful platform for shaping political conversations and promoting diverse viewpoints. The real-time nature of social media allowed for greater engagement and interaction, challenging the more controlled narratives of traditional media outlets.
However, government policies during this period were widely perceived as having a detrimental impact on press freedom, with many respondents agreeing that the government restricted or censored media outlets to maintain control over the narrative. This led to a climate of self-censorship among journalists, limiting the media’s ability to hold the government accountable.
Social media activism played a vital role in influencing governance and policy-making by mobilizing citizens and challenging government actions. Nevertheless, activists faced persecution, with many experiencing threats and harassment for voicing opposition. This study highlights the complex relationship between media, activism, and government in Nigeria, illustrating the challenges faced by those advocating for greater transparency and accountability in governance. Overall, the findings underscore the importance of a free and independent press in sustaining democratic engagement.
Recommendations
Based on the findings, the following recommendations are proposed to enhance the role of media in fostering a more transparent and democratic governance system in Nigeria:
- Strengthening Press Freedom: The government should take measures to protect press freedom and ensure that media outlets are not subject to unnecessary censorship or restrictions. Laws should be reformed to safeguard journalists from harassment and persecution, allowing them to perform their duties without fear of reprisal.
- Promoting Media Independence: Efforts should be made to ensure that both traditional and social media platforms operate independently, free from governmental or political interference. This would enable media houses to provide objective and diverse content, thus enhancing public discourse.
- Supporting Social Media Activism: The government should acknowledge the positive role of social media activism in promoting transparency and holding the government accountable. Instead of persecuting activists, a supportive environment should be created where citizens are encouraged to participate in constructive debates and policy discussions.
- Capacity Building for Journalists: Journalists should be trained in digital literacy and investigative journalism, enabling them to effectively use both traditional and social media platforms to disseminate accurate and reliable information. This would help counter misinformation and ensure the integrity of media content.
- Encouraging Public Engagement: The government should encourage citizens to actively engage in the democratic process through both traditional and social media platforms. Public participation in governance, facilitated by open and accessible communication channels, is crucial for holding leaders accountable and fostering a vibrant democracy.
Contribution to Knowledge
This study contributes to the understanding of how media, both traditional and social, has shaped public opinion and political narratives in Nigeria, particularly during the Buhari administration (2015–2023). By examining the role of both media platforms in influencing governance, policy decisions, and public engagement, the study provides empirical evidence that traditional media, despite its influence, was overshadowed by the more dynamic and expansive role of social media in shaping political discourse. The findings highlight the growing importance of social media activism in challenging government policies and creating an alternative space for political narratives. This research fills a gap in the literature by showcasing the shift in power dynamics between traditional and new media, offering valuable insights into their complementary roles in Nigerian politics during this period.
Additionally, the study sheds light on the impact of government policies on press freedom, highlighting the tension between the state’s regulatory measures and media independence. It identifies the challenges faced by journalists and social media activists, particularly the atmosphere of fear and self-censorship. By offering recommendations to improve press freedom, promote media independence, and support social media activism, the study contributes to the ongoing discourse on media freedom and the role of the press in enhancing democratic governance. These insights are particularly valuable for policymakers, journalists, and activists who seek to foster a more transparent and accountable governance system in Nigeria.
Suggestions for Further Studies
Further studies could explore the long-term effects of social media activism on political participation and democratic consolidation in Nigeria, particularly in post-Buhari administrations. It would be beneficial to investigate the evolving role of digital platforms in influencing policy decisions, voter behaviour, and the engagement of marginalized groups in the political process. Additionally, future research could examine the specific challenges faced by journalists and activists in more detail, focusing on the psychological and socio-political impacts of censorship and government repression. Comparative studies between Nigeria and other countries in similar political contexts could offer broader insights into how government control over media influences public opinion and political change. Such research would deepen our understanding of the intersection between media freedom, governance, and democratic resilience in developing democracies.
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