Political Parties and the Media

This chapter examines an interesting aspect of modern party organisationOrganisation and work. The influence of the media on party politicsParty politics in the Fourth RepublicFourth Republic is discussed in terms of the influence of media houses on parties and the way in which parties used the media platform for campaigning and political propaganda as well as for political advertising. In particular, the chapter highlights the explosion of the internet, the digitalisation of party activities and the role of social mediaSocial media in shaping campaignsCampaign and party politicsParty politics. It is noted that since 2011, the major parties in Nigeria have transformed themselves with the help of social mediaSocial media, spending a huge fortune during electionElection campaignsCampaign to sell their ideas and candidates to the electorate. This has changed the landscape of party politicsParty politics and competition in Nigeria.