Assessment of the Roles of Political Cartoons in the 2023 Presidential Election in Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the roles of political cartoons in the 2023 presidential election in Nigeria. The objectives of this study were to; evaluate the effectiveness of political cartoons as campaign tools in the 2023 presidential elections in Nigeria; identify the contributions of political cartoons to the outcome of the 2023 presidential election in Nigeria. The study adopted the survey research design and employed the multi-stage and the purposive/judgement sampling technique. With the aid of structured questionnaire as it research instrument, the study collected data from a sample size of 400 respondents selected from headquarters of the ten federal constituencies in Akwa Ibom State. Data collected were analyzed and presented in tables using simple percentages. Findings proved that political cartoons contributed significantly to the outcome of the 2023 presidential election by shaping public opinions and influencing perception of the presidential candididates and the Nigerian situation. Based on the findings of this research, it was concluded that political cartoons played crucial roles during the 2023 presidential election in Akwa Ibom State. Specifically, they shaped electorate opinions of presidential candidates and reflected the prevailing socio-political situation in the country. Thus, political cartoons remain a powerful tool for political communication, education, and mobilization during democratic processes. The study also recommended that media organizations should sustain and expand the use of political cartoons in both print and online platforms. Since majority of the electorate accessed cartoons through the internet, greater investment in digital platforms is strongly recommended