NJOMACS

The study examines the complex dynamics between freedom of expression and the rise of hate speech within the Nigerian media landscape during the critical 2023 General Elections. It investigates public perceptions of these fundamental aspects of communication and their implications for the democratic process in a democratic society. Employing a mixed-methods approach rooted in pragmatism and social construction of reality theory, the research utilizes qualitative and quantitative data gathered through surveys and interviews, employing questionnaires and interview guides as research instruments. The study focuses on the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), with a population of 1,693,400, drawing a sample of 384 from various districts. Findings reveal that the media significantly influences public perceptions of freedom of expression and hate speech, with news biases, language trends, and differing viewpoints shaping attitudes toward these concepts in electoral discourse. Factors such as tone and language, context and intent, source credibility, verifiability, emotional appeal, and historical context were found to influence public perception during the 2023 elections, with audiences holding a negative view of the media's role as political tools. The study concludes that stakeholders, including media practitioners, politicians, policymakers, and the public, must promote a communication environment that upholds democratic values to mitigate the adverse effects of hate speech during critical political events. Recommendations include clarifying regulatory frameworks on hate speech, media self-regulation to prevent incitement to violence, imposing sanctions on offenders, and enhancing media literacy programmes for the public to critically evaluate information.