Assessment of Nigerian journalists’ preparedness for reporting election results and disputes

Electoral process in Africa especially in Nigeria is a long route which often leads to results being disputed in the courts and sometimes end in crisis. The media play a significant role in this process given their enormous influence on the public. This study examined Nigerian journalists’ preparedness for covering election results and disputes with a focus on the 2023 general elections. Anchored on symbolic interactionism theory, the study adopted survey to gauge the opinions of journalists from the six states of southwest Nigeria which form study population. A structured questionnaire was administered on 300 respondents of 50 per state selected through non-proportional quota sampling. Findings revealed that majority of the journalists are well conscious of their role in reporting election results and disputes and that their respective media organisations prepare them for such duties through training and supply of tools with less provision of funds to facilitate their task on the field. Most of the respondents also agreed that other bodies like the Nigerian Press Council, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Civil societies and international organisations, prepare them better for election coverage than their media organisations through training, funding, and tools. The study concludes that Nigerian journalists, being aware of their role in reporting elections, are more prepared for the task by external bodies other than employers and recommends that media organisations should deploy more resources to preparing their reporters for the job.


Background To The Study:
The electoral process in Nigeria has historically been a complex journey, often leading to results being challenged and disputed in courts, sometimes even escalating to crisis situations. The media's role in disseminating information during these critical times cannot be underestimated, as they serve as a bridge between the political sphere and the general public. With the 2023 general elections, understanding the preparedness of Nigerian journalists in reporting election results and disputes becomes pivotal to ensure accurate and unbiased information reaches the citizens. The study focuses on journalists from the six stets of southwest Nigeria, which collectively form the study population. The examination of their preparedness offered insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by the media in fulfilling their roles as watchdogs during elections. The theoretical foundation of symbolic interactionism guided the investigation on how the media and external bodies shaped journalists' preparedness for election reporting.

Research Objectives:
The study sought to: 1. Determine the extent to which Nigerian journalists are conscious of their role in election results and election disputes coverage. 2. Find out the extent to which Nigerian journalists are prepared for election results and election disputes coverage by their media organisations. 3. Assess how Nigerian journalists are prepared for election results and election disputes coverage by bodies other than their media organisations.

Scope of The Study:
Journalists in the six states of the southwest of Nigeria.

Literature Review:
Media as a Watchdog of Democracy: The media, including journalists, are often referred to as the "watchdog of democracy," which means they act as a critical check on government actions and ensure transparency and accountability in the democratic process. Adegoke, Ojebisi, and Uche (2018) highlight the challenges and prospects of the media in fulfilling this role in Nigeria. Understanding the role of journalists as watchdogs during election reporting is crucial in assessing their preparedness to cover and report election results and disputes accurately. The concept of the media as a watchdog of democracy highlights the critical role of journalists and media organizations in holding those in power accountable and safeguarding democratic principles. Journalists act as a "watchdog," investigating and exposing government actions, corruption, and electoral irregularities to ensure transparency and fairness in the democratic process.
During elections, the media's role as a watchdog becomes especially significant as journalists monitor the electoral process, report on potential irregularities, and provide independent analysis of election results. Their ability to report objectively, fact-check information, and provide accurate coverage is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and upholding democratic values. For Nigerian journalists to effectively act as watchdogs during elections, they must be prepared to navigate the challenges of election reporting and remain committed to upholding journalistic ethics and integrity. This includes verifying information from multiple sources, avoiding biases, and providing fair coverage of all political actors.

Access to Information and Quality of Reporting:
The quality of election reporting is closely linked to journalists' access to accurate and timely information. Access to reliable data, official election results, and statements from electoral bodies and candidates is crucial for journalists to provide comprehensive and accurate reporting. However, journalists may face challenges in obtaining such information, especially in politically sensitive environments. Limited access . Social Science and Humanities Journal, Vol to information can lead to misinformation, biased reporting, or incomplete coverage, impacting the quality and credibility of election reporting. To ensure high-quality reporting, journalists must have sufficient access to verified information. Media organizations and journalists' commitment to fact-checking and cross-referencing sources can contribute to accurate and trustworthy reporting.

Journalists' Training and Preparedness:
Journalists' preparedness to cover election results and disputes is influenced by their training and professional development. Media organizations and external bodies, such as the Nigerian Press Council, Nigeria Union of Journalists, civil societies, and international organizations, play a crucial role in training and preparing journalists for election reporting. Training programmes that focus on election reporting skills, media ethics, legal frameworks, and conflict-sensitive reporting can equip journalists with the necessary knowledge and tools to navigate the challenges of election reporting in Nigeria. Media organizations that prioritize training and support for their reporters demonstrate their commitment to promoting accurate and responsible election reporting. Investing in training and professional development can enhance journalists' abilities to provide unbiased and objective coverage of election events. Moreover, collaboration with external bodies, such as civil societies and international organizations, can further enhance journalists' preparedness by providing access to resources, expertise, and best practices in election reporting.

Empirical Review:
The study conducted by Mimiko and Idowu (2023) titled "Media and Election Disputes in Nigeria" explores the intricate relationship between the media and election disputes within the context of the Nigerian political landscape. The research, presented as a chapter in the book "Contemporary Issues on Governance, Conflict and Security in Africa," sheds light on the role of the media in influencing the outcome and resolution of electoral disputes in the country.
Using a mixed-methods approach, the researchers employed surveys and interviews to gather data from key stakeholders, including journalists, election officials, political actors, and members of the public. The study focused on recent election cycles in Nigeria to provide relevant and up-todate insights into the media's impact on election disputes. The findings of Mimiko and Idowu's study reveal that the media play a significant role in shaping the narratives and perceptions surrounding election disputes in Nigeria. Through extensive coverage, the media can either exacerbate or mitigate the tension and conflicts that arise during electoral processes. The study identifies instances where sensationalist reporting and biased coverage have contributed to the escalation of disputes, thereby potentially undermining the credibility of the electoral process. Furthermore, the research highlights the importance of media objectivity and accuracy in reporting election results and disputes. Journalists' adherence to professional standards, such as factchecking and balanced reporting, was found to be essential in providing the public with reliable information during times of electoral uncertainty. However, the study also points out challenges faced by journalists in obtaining accurate and timely information from electoral bodies and other sources, which can hinder their ability to deliver objective reporting. The study emphasizes the significance of objective and responsible reporting by journalists during elections, which can foster transparency, accountability, and public trust in the electoral process. Additionally, it underscores the need for both media organizations and external bodies to collaborate in providing comprehensive training and resources to journalists, ensuring they are well-prepared to cover election results and disputes with professionalism and integrity. conducted in-depth interviews with journalists and media professionals involved in covering the 2019 elections. The study aimed to understand the adoption and application of data journalism techniques, such as data analysis, visualization, and interactive storytelling, in the reporting of election results and disputes. The findings reveal that data journalism played a pivotal role in the Nigerian mainstream media's coverage of the 2019 elections.
Journalists and media organizations harnessed data-driven reporting to provide in-depth insights, analysis, and visual representations of electoral data, enhancing the audience's understanding of the election process. Data visualization, in particular, emerged as a powerful tool used by the media to present complex election data in a more accessible and engaging manner. Infographics, charts, and interactive maps were utilized to illustrate voting patterns, election outcomes, and potential disputes, thereby enabling the public to comprehend the intricacies of the electoral process. Moreover, the research highlights the impact of data journalism on enhancing transparency and accountability in the reporting of election results and disputes. By relying on verifiable data sources and providing evidencebased analysis, journalists contributed to fostering public trust in the credibility of electoral information. However, the study also identifies challenges faced by Nigerian journalists in employing data journalism techniques effectively. Limited access to reliable data sources, inadequate technical skills among some journalists, and resource constraints were cited as obstacles to widespread data-driven reporting. In terms of journalists' preparedness for data journalism, Akinfemisoye Adejare's study indicates that media organizations have made efforts to equip their reporters with the necessary skills and tools for data-driven reporting. Training workshops and collaboration with data experts were some of the initiatives undertaken to enhance journalists' capabilities in data journalism. The research aims to assess the effectiveness of training initiatives in enhancing journalists' preparedness and reporting quality during a critical electoral period. Adebayo's study adopts an action research approach, combining participatory research and intervention strategies. The study involved collaborating with media organizations and journalists to implement training programs focused on election reporting skills, media ethics, and conflict-sensitive reporting. A mixed-methods design was utilized, incorporating surveys, interviews, and content analysis of election-related news articles and broadcasts. The research findings reveal positive outcomes in journalists' reportage of the 2015 elections in Nigeria following the implementation of training programs. Journalists who participated in the training exhibited increased awareness of their roles and responsibilities during the electoral process. They demonstrated improved skills in verifying information, maintaining objectivity, and adhering to professional ethical standards in their reporting. Content analysis of electionrelated news articles and broadcasts indicated a notable increase in the depth and accuracy of election coverage by trained journalists. The trained journalists were more skilled at providing context, analysis, and balanced reporting, which contributed to a more informed electorate. Additionally, the study identified a shift in the portrayal of election disputes. Trained journalists were less prone to sensationalism and bias in reporting conflicts, thereby reducing the potential for inciting tension or violence. The study's results stressed the significance of training initiatives in improving journalists' preparedness for reporting elections in Nigeria.

Theoretical Framework:
This study employed the symbolic interactionism, media influence and agenda-setting theories.

Symbolic Interactionism Theory:
Symbolic Interactionism is a sociological theoretical framework that can provide valuable insights into the interactions and meanings that shape individuals' behaviors and perceptions in society. This theory is particularly relevant to the . Social Science and Humanities Journal, Vol Meaning: According to this perspective, individuals assign meanings to symbols, objects, and events based on their interpretations. In the context of election reporting, Nigerian journalists may attach specific meanings to election results, disputes, and the role of the media in covering these events, are influenced by their cultural background, professional values, and interactions with key actors.
Interaction: Symbolic Interactionism emphasizes the significance of social interactions in shaping individuals' behaviors and understandings. For journalists covering elections, interactions with political actors, media organizations, training institutions, and the public play a vital role in shaping their perception of their roles, responsibilities, and preparedness in reporting election results and disputes.

Identity Formation:
The theory posits that individuals construct their identities through social interactions. In the case of Nigerian journalists, their identity as election reporters is influenced by their experiences, interactions with other professionals, and the feedback they receive from media organizations, the public, and other stakeholders.
Symbolic Interactionism offers a suitable framework for the project topic as it provides a means to examine journalists' preparedness for election reporting in Nigeria by analyzing their interactions, meanings attached to their roles, and identity formation as election reporters. By employing this theoretical lens, the study can gain a deeper understanding of how journalists' perceptions and behaviors are shaped by their interactions with political actors, media organizations and other bodies.

Media Influence and Agenda-Setting Theory:
Media Influence refers to the power of the media in shaping public opinion, attitudes, and beliefs.
Journalists, as part of the media, have a significant impact on how the public perceives and interprets election results and disputes. Their coverage can influence the salience and prominence of various election-related issues in the minds of the audience. The Agenda-Setting Theory suggests that the media play a crucial role in determining which issues are considered important by the public. During elections, journalists' decisions on what to cover, how to present information, and the frequency of coverage can influence the issues that voters prioritize and consider relevant. For example, if journalists prioritize reporting on election disputes over substantive policy issues, it may lead the public to focus more on the controversies and conflicts rather than the candidates' platforms. This could have implications for the democratic process by shaping public opinion and affecting voter behavior. Understanding the media's influence and agenda-setting process is essential in evaluating journalists' preparedness to report election results and disputes objectively. Journalists must be aware of the potential impact of their reporting choices on the public's perception of the electoral process and strive to provide balanced and accurate coverage.

Methodology:
This study adopts descriptive survey to gauge the opinions of journalists in the southwest of Nigeria. and television stations in the southwest zone of Nigeria. The sample size for this study are three hundred respondents from six states of southwest Nigeria and non-proportional quota sampling was used to pick 50 respondents from each of the six states of southwest Nigeria. A 19-item structured questionnaire was used to collect data for this research work. Copies of the questionnaire were administered on respondents at the monthly congress of their union (Nigeria Union of Journalists) at their press center at the various state capitals.

Data Analysis:
Data were coded and analysed according to each objective.
Objective 1: Extent to which Nigerian journalists are conscious of their role in election results and election disputes coverage.      Table 4 shows that most Nigerian journalists are prepared for election results and disputes coverage by bodies other than their own media organisations as over 80% of the respondents confirmed this with 22% saying they were highly prepared, 44% saying they were adequately prepared and 21% saying they were moderately prepared while only 13% say they were less prepared. Respondents list other bodies that prepared them for elections results as well as election disputes coverage as contained in Table 5. These include  the Nigerian Press Council, a federal government  agency as the only public agent while nongovernmental organisations like International Press Institute (IPI), Institute for media and Society, YIAGA Africa among others prepared them for the exercise. . The only professional body they listed was the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).  Table 6 shows that just their media houses, external bodies also prepared Nigerian journalists for election results and disputes coverage through training (62%) followed by funding (21%) and supply of tools (17%).

Discussion Of Findings
The findings of the study are in relation to the objectives raised in chapter one of this study and linked together with similar studies and theories reviewed in the chapter two of this study. The first objective of this study sought to find out the extent to which Nigerian journalists are conscious of their role in election results and election disputes coverage. The analysis reveal that majority of Nigerian journalists in the six selected states of Nigeria; Lagos, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun and Osun are "conscious" of their role in election results and election disputes coverage, This outcome is in line with the theory of collective consciousness propounded by Emile Durkleim in 1893, that emphasizes the social nature of communication and its impact on shaping peoples' consciousness within a given community or society. It helps to understand the need for Nigerian journalists to be conscious of their role in election results and election disputes coverage, as their reporting and communication have the power to influence public perception, beliefs and behaviors regarding the electoral process and its outcomes.
As information disseminators, journalists can impact how individuals within a society understand and interpret election results and any disputes that may arise during the period. Hence, the need for them to recognize the significance of their communication in influencing the collective mindset of the public. By understanding the theory and its implications, journalists can actively work towards fostering a shared understanding among the public, promoting dialogue and contributing to the strengthening of collective consciousness during election, this awareness can help fulfill their role as responsible and ethical communicators in shaping public opinion and maintaining societal cohesion during critical moments in the democratic process.
This study also sought to know the extent to which Nigerian journalists are prepared for election results and election disputes coverage by their media organisations. The analysis shows that 53% of Nigerian journalists have been trained in preparation for election result and election disputes coverage by their employers, while 22% of Nigerian journalists have the tools required to prepare them for election results and election disputes coverage, but 15% of them have been funded in preparation for election result and election disputes coverage by their employers, . Social Science and Humanities Journal, Vol In context of Nigerian elections, well trained and funded journalists equipped with appropriate reporting tools play a pivotal role in shaping the public awareness and understanding of the electoral process. When journalists are well trained, they possess the skills to conduct in-depth research, verify information and present balanced and accurate coverage. This level of professionalism helps to ensure that the medias agenda aligns with democratic principles of informing citizens about crucial electoral matters. With adequate funding, journalist can access necessary resources and technology, enabling them to cover election events extensively and report in a timely manner. The theory of agenda setting emphasizes the role journalists as key players in shaping public opinion and consciousness during elections. By investing in their training, funding and access to reporting tools, Nigerian journalists can contribute significantly to the democratic process by providing accurate, unbiased and comprehensive election coverage that influences the public's agenda in a constructive and informed manner. Similar to this, findings from the study of Mimiko and Idowu 2023 confirms the results of the findings in this research in examining the preparedness of Nigerian journalists for election coverage. While some media houses invest in comprehensive training programs and provide necessary resources, others fall short in adequately preparing their journalist for election reporting. They also emphasises the role of external bodies such as the Nigerian union of Journalists, Civil societies and international organizations in enhancing journalists' preparedness. These organizations efforts and contribute to better coverage.

Conclusion:
From the data analysis, as presented in chapter four of this report, it is found that a high proportion of Nigerian journalists are conscious of their role in election reporting and election disputes coverage. Also, majority of Nigerian journalists have been prepared for election reporting and election disputes coverage, clearly showing that prioritizing training and support, Nigeria can foster a more professional and responsible media landscape in promoting transparent and credible elections. More so, other bodies such as Nigerian Press Council, Nigerian Union of Journalists and other international organisations to a large extent provide training, funding and tools to enhance journalists' preparedness towards election reporting and election disputes coverage. Investing in media training and professional development, Nigeria will have more transparent electoral process.