Audience Perception of Electoral Violence in the 2022 Gubernatorial Election in Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper examined audience perception of electoral violence in the 2022 gubernatorial election in Osun State, Nigeria. It focused on the perception of the electorate towards 2022 gubernatorial election in Osun State, Nigeria. This study is anchored on one of the mass communication theories, which is Agenda Setting theory. The study adopted survey as design for the study, in which questionnaire was used as research instrument. This was administered to the selected public servants that were selected from six local government areas in Osun State. Findings revealed that the electorate had positive perception of electoral process, most especially in terms of political parties allowing each other to erect governorship candidate’s billboard.  The study therefore recommends that, media owners should give room for an objective reportage of electoral violence. The Press, government at all levels, INEC, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders need to intensify their efforts in ensuring that our country should hence-forth witness violence-free election.