Media, elections and corruption

Nigeria has one of the most vibrant media spaces in the world and platforms for journalism across media generate and share a high level of debate and opinion. Not surprisingly, corruption is one of the most frequently reported on and debated topics in Nigerian media, sparing very few public personalities.

Does media coverage of corruption stories matter for policy-making and public attitudes? Sensationalist reporting of corruption stories can result in unmet public expectations of corruption prosecution and punishment. Meanwhile, truly investigative journalism that pursues unsavoury political truths is vital for society, yet the political settlements of most developing countries mean that established authorities are usually able to block such investigations. The result is fatigue by news consumers, who feel justice will not be served despite all the hype.

This research identified and audited the types of corruption and anti-corruption stories that were generated before and after the 2015 and 2019 elections. The audit aimed to identify if patterns in reportage are influenced by elections, linked to particular political interests, to security issues and so on, and to investigate if there are any impacts on polling.

The audit considered reportage of four key cases in the run up to the 2015 elections and how selected media houses responded to these through their reportage. The research also identified how corruption was reported when there are major gender issues.

SOAS-ACE is currently undertaking research in Bangladesh and Nigeria, including in the education, health and power sectors, as well as on successful collective action that overthrew a corrupt autocracy. Moving beyond pure research, we are also monitoring the implementation of anti-corruption strategies our research has recommended, such as a strategy to reduce pharmaceutical companies’ overpricing of medicines.

Our partner on this project was Adeshola Komolafe (Oak Centre for Journalism Development, OCJD).