ADUWAWA RESIDENTS PERCEPTION OF THE PATRIOT VOTERS SENSITIZATION PROGRAMME ON BRONZE 101.5 FM REGARDING THE 2023 NIGERIA PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONEERING CAMPAIGN

ABSTRACT

This study explores Aduwawa Residents Perception of The Patriot Voters Sensitization Programme on Bronze 101.5 FM regarding the 2023 Nigeria Presidential Electioneering Campaign. The research aims to investigate the effectiveness of the programme in sensitizing the residents of Aduwawa, Benin City, and their perception of its impact on their understanding of the campaign. The mass media plays a critical role in creating awareness and mobilizing the public during pre-election processes and campaign periods. The study utilizes the individual differences and agenda-setting theories as the theoretical framework, examining how the media audience perceives sensitization messages and the influence of the media's agenda. A survey research design was employed, and data were collected using a questionnaire. The findings reveal that Aduwawa residents were sensitized for the Nigeria 2023 presidential campaign through the voter sensitization programme aired on Bronze 101.5 FM. The respondents positively perceived The Patriot programme as an effective tool for sensitization and mobilization. They reported gaining knowledge about the voting process, political party manifestos, candidates, rallies, and political discussions through the programme. The radio emerged as the primary medium through which residents received sensitization messages. These findings suggests that effective voter sensitization programmes, such as The Patriot on Bronze 101.5 FM, contribute to increased political awareness and informed decision-making among the electorate.