The media in Nigeria has an onerous role to play in the 2023 General Elections which are less than two months away.
Nigeria can be said to have shown a high degree of carelessness in conducting elections over the years, especially since 1999. The blame for this could be placed on the doorstep of the executive and legislative arms of government.
The country has been having recurring situations whereby political office holders always think it is their birthright to win second terms. The only exception was the Goodluck Jonathan defeat in 2015 when he announced to the world that his victory was not worth the blood of anyone.
It should be expected that performance in office should determine the acceptability or rejection of a party, at least that is what we find in most western countries where democracy is practised according to its tenets.
Over the years, in Nigeria, factors that determine electoral victory are rigging, manipulation, violence and everything that is antithetical to democracy.
It is expected that the 2023 elections will witness a remarkable deviation from the ugly norm. Every Nigerian has a role to ensure that competent candidates with character to defend emerge winners. The media has a major role to play in driving what Nigerians must look out for in the country’s next leaders.
Nigeria has gone from its glorious days to dark days. At the moment, the country is in both economic and security crises. Although the present leadership is quick to say the economic crisis was caused by external factors such as climate change,
COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war, the average Nigerian knows that the problems are self-inflicted. With the profound endowment in the country, a visionary leadership would have ensured that the impact of the external factors would have been easily mitigated through proactive measures.
The media, being the fourth estate of the realm, has a constitutional duty to be neutral and stand by the truth, not minding whose ox is gored. The media must be determined to ensure equity, fairness and transparency. The media must not take sides with any political party or candidate during the elections or campaigns. It must expose individuals or activities that may undermine the democratic process or outcome.
Finally, the media must call the electoral umpire to account when the need arises. They must not exhibit any partisanship in order for the country to get its act right and for prosperity to return.
Written by  TONY OKAFOR
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