Influence of Fake News on Voter Perception of Presidential Candidates during Nigeria’s 2023 General Elections

Abstract

Objective: This study examined the influence of fake news on the way voters perceived the presidential candidates of Nigeria's 2023 presidential election.

Methodology: The survey research design  used in the study to conduct the study. The study population which was gotten from National Population Commission is the 361,657 residents of Awka metropolis. The sample size, which was 384 respondents, was determined through an online sample size calculator. Purposive and availability sampling techniques were used to get to the respondents. Simple frequency and percentage mean and standard deviation tables were used to analyse the collected data.

Results: It was found that fake news significantly influences the way voters perceive the competence, political ideology and character of the presidential candidates of Nigeria's 2023 general elections.

Conclusion: Social media platforms played a crucial role during Nigeria’s 2023 general election. Fake news through social media contributed to influencing the perception of candidates among the voters.