Abstract:
This study was designed to investigate the influence of the new
media on the relative success of Nigeria’s 2015 general
elections, particularly in the North-Central zone of the country.
Survey research design was adopted, while questionnaire was
used as instrument of data collection. Findings showed that
GSM, facebook, twitter and whatsapp, were mainly used for
political campaigns in North Central Nigeria, during the 2015
general election. Findings further showed new media provided
platforms for educating and mobilising electorates towards
participating in electoral processes. Furthermore, findings
indicated that by their advantages of on-demand access to
content anytime, anywhere, the new media provided adequate,
timely and accurate information on all issues and problems
confronting the elections to enable the people react
knowledgeably to the situations. Findings further showed that the
use of new media greatly influenced the success of the 2015
general elections in North Central Nigeria. It was, therefore,
concluded that, the new media had tremendous influence on the
2015 elections. Based on the findings and conclusion, it was
recommended inter alia that, there is a need for INEC to
collaborate with GSM service providers with a view to using new
media, particularly text messages to guarantee the success of
future elections.
North Central Nigeria
