Investigative Journalists’ Role as Ombudsmen in Electoral Process in Nigeria: An Appraisal

Abstract

This paper examines the role of investigative journalists as ombudsmen in electoral process in Nigeria. Specifically, the study interrogates the extent to which investigative journalism expose electoral ills in Nigeria; examines strategies used by investigative journalists in electoral reportage in the country and evaluates the challenges faced by investigative journalists in the course of their assignments. The study which is built on mediatization theory employs documentation as a research design. Findings among other things reveal that there is low level of exposure of electoral ills by investigative journalists in Nigeria and that investigative journalists are faced with multi-dimensional challenges in the course of their assignments. The study recommends an increase in the tempo and tenacity in the reportage by investigative journalists on election process in Nigeria, a retooling and re-engineering of the investigative strategies among other things to effectively check politicians and political institutions in the country