PROJECT TOPIC: RADIO LISTERNERSHIP PATTERN AMONG RESIDENTS OF OFFA AND PROGRAMME PREFERENCE ( A CASE STUDY OF OFFA RESIDENTS)

This study explores audience perception of political rallies on awareness creation and participation during Nigeria's 2023 general elections, with a specific focus on offa, a town in Kwara State known for its active political engagement. The objective of this study is to analyze the impact of political rallies on political communication in Offa local communities during the elections. The study is situated within the framework of the Agenda setting, cognitive dissonance and Social judgment theory. The Agenda-setting theory emphasizes the media's ability to convey the significance of news items to the public, influencing the public agenda.Social Judgment Theory. According to the social judgment theory, depending on your cognitive map, you can accept or reject a statement or message, while the dissonance theory suggests that individuals strive for consistency in their beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours. When faced with conflicting information or experiences, cognitive dissonance arises, causing psychological tension. The research methodology involved the use of descriptive surveys including administered questionnaires to the target participants. The study reveals that political rallies help in education programs facilitated by the media have contributed to increased election literacy, improved voter turnout, and reduced invalid ballots. The findings of the study have implications for political communication in Nigeria. Political parties and candidates need to strategically utilize social media platforms to shape public opinion and mobilize voters. However, challenges such as the spread of misinformation and online manipulation should be addressed through media literacy promotion and measures to combat misinformation. Recommendations for future study, Political parties can enhance the effectiveness of their rallies by focusing on engaging and relevant communication, addressing local concerns, utilizing social media for wider reach, and fostering inclusivity to connect with a diverse audience