Perceptions of Corporate Image of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) During 2023 Elections: A Study of Facebook and WhatsApp Users in SouthEast Nigeria
Sr No:
Page No:
12-19
Language:
English
Authors:
Nwokeocha Ifeanyi Martins*, Brown, George Nathan, Akpan Uwem Asuquo
Received:
2024-10-04
Accepted:
2024-10-16
Published Date:
2024-10-19
Abstract:
This study investigates the perceptions of Facebook and WhatsApp users in
South East Nigeria towards the corporate image of the Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC) during the 2023 general elections. The objectives of the study
were to: assess the perceptions of Facebook and WhatsApp users in South East
Nigeria towards the corporate image of INEC during the 2023 general elections;
explore the factors that contributed to the formation of such perceptions of INEC's
corporate image among Facebook and WhatsApp users in South East Nigeria; and
examine how perceptions of INEC's corporate image among Facebook and WhatsApp
users in South East Nigeria influence public trust and confidence in the electoral
process during the 2023 general elections. The study employed a survey research
design, and the data were collected through electronic questionnaires distributed to
384 participants. The study found that 61% of respondents had a negative perception
of INEC's corporate image during the 2023 general elections, while only 11% had a
positive perception. The study also revealed that past experiences with INEC played a
significant role in shaping individuals' perceptions. Moreover, negative perceptions of
INEC's corporate image strongly influenced public trust and confidence in the
electoral process, which could lead to lower voter turnout and affect the overall
legitimacy of the elections. The study concludes that there is an urgent need for INEC
to improve its corporate image to restore public trust and confidence in the electoral
process in Nigeria.
Keywords:
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), corporate image, perceptions, public trust, electoral process.