Assessing the Role of Radio Political Talk Shows in Shaping Democratic Participation in the Forthcoming Nigeria’s 2027 Presidential Election

Abstract

This study assess how radio political talk shows in Nigeria serve as vital platforms for information dissemination, voter education, political socialization and public enlightenment in the build-up to Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election. Despite the proliferation of online media and social media platforms, radio continues to be one of Nigeria’s most popular mediums for political communication because of its affordability, linguistic diversity, mobility, outreach and high degree of penetration in both rural and urban areas. While not all political talk shows on radio are created equal, programmes that are opinion-shaping drive political awareness, influence voter choice and foster democratic participation through agenda-setting and media framing functions. Utilizing Agenda-Setting Theory and Media Framing Theory, this study takes a closer look at radio talk shows and their effects on voter education, political consciousness, civic engagement, voter turnout and government accountability in Nigeria’s growing democracy. The paper relies on archival analysis using previous scholarly works, current media narratives and Nigerian radio stations such as Nigeria Info FM, RayPower FM, Wazobia FM and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria to make qualitative assessments on radio political talk shows. Results show that radio political talk shows have aided democratic participation by providing open platforms that allow citizens such as rural dwellers, youths, women and first-time voters to discuss governance issues, ask questions that hold politicians accountable and are informed on their electoral rights. Findings from the study also highlight some challenges such as political propaganda, misinformation, commercialization of airwaves, media capture by politicians and owners as well as politicized ethnicity as possible threats to achieving a successful democracy and credible election through radio political talk shows. The study concludes by reiterating that radio political talk shows will continue to play significant roles in nurturing Nigeria’s young democracy but their capacity to enhance democratic participation will depend on how ethical, balanced and independent radio presenters and radio houses will be going into the 2027 presidential election.