Peace Journalism and Post-2023 Election Agitation Coverage in Selected Nigerian Newspapers

Amaechi; Blessing Ngozi; Prof. Fred Amadi; Itieke-Idamieba Harrry PhD

doi:10.56201/rjmcit.vol.12.no4.2026.pg41.56

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Peace Journalism and Post-2023 Election Agitation Coverage in Selected Nigerian Newspapers

Amaechi, Blessing Ngozi, Prof. Fred Amadi, Itieke-Idamieba Harrry PhD

Abstract

This study examined newspaper coverage of post-2023 election agitation in Nigeria, focusing on The Punch and The Guardian. The study investigated thematic emphasis, framing techniques, and the extent of adoption of peace journalism principles in reporting political tensions, legal disputes, and electoral protests. A content analysis research design combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches was adopted. A total of 180 newspaper articles published between December 2022 and May 2023 were systematically analyzed using a coding sheet developed around key themes such as conflict reporting, peace journalism, legal battles, and political tensions. The findings revealed that conflict reporting dominated newspaper coverage, followed by legal battles, while peace journalism received comparatively less attention. Framing analysis showed a prevalence of conflict framing, although The Guardian demonstrated a higher tendency toward peace and neutral framing than The Punch. The study further established that conflict- oriented reporting outweighed peace-oriented journalism across both newspapers, indicating limited integration of peace journalism principles. The study concludes that Nigerian newspapers still largely operate within a conflict-driven reporting structure, with implications for public perception and post-election stability. It recommends stronger adoption of peace journalism practices, improved editorial policies, and enhanced journalist training to promote balanced reporting.

Keywords

Peace journalismconflict reportingframing techniquespost-election agitationNigerian newspapersmedia coverage

References

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Peace Journalism and Post-2023 Election Agitation Coverage in Selected Nigerian Newspapers

Abstract

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