Data-Driven Journalism Practices And Election Monitoring In Nigeria
Daniel T. Ezegwu
Keywords: Data-driven journalism, election monitoring, electoral accountability, digital media
Abstract
Election monitoring has emerged as a critical mechanism for safeguarding
democratic processes across Africa, and Nigeria, as the continent’s most
populous democracy, presents a compelling site for examining how data-driven journalism reshapes electoral oversight. This paper offers an analytical review of data-driven journalism practices in Nigerian election monitoring, exploring how journalists and civic technology organizations deploy data tools to enhance transparency, detect irregularities, and hold electoral actors
accountable. Drawing on secondary sources, the study examines the
landscape of election coverage in Nigeria, identifying key tools deployed by data journalists, and critically evaluates the systemic challenges that constrain effective practice. Findings indicate that whilst data journalism holds transformative potential for election monitoring in Nigeria, persistent challenges including poor data infrastructure, digital exclusion, and political interference significantly undermine its effectiveness. The study
recommended that Nigerian media organizations should establish dedicated data journalism units with trained personnel and modern analytical tools. Also, the National Universities Commission and the Nigerian Press Council should integrate data journalism into mass communication curricula and
professional training.
Author Biography
Daniel T. Ezegwu
Department of Mass Communication, University of Delta, Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria
Email: [email protected]