Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: A fundamental claim in this paper is that blogging is a form of work whose initiator's sole aim is doing grassroots reporting, commenting on events, analyzing reactions to happenings and ultimately effecting social change via people-oriented actions. Opinions can be formulated on weblogs for eventual transformation into major developmental policies that have far reaching implications on the life, aspiration and future of a people. The paper integrates Schmidt's (2007) analytical model of blogging practices as a conceptual framework for advocating blogging as social action. Weblogs are influential political tool for mobilization and Nigerian bloggers made good use of this platform to educate, enlighten, and encourage eligible voters to perform their civic duties before and during the Nigerian 2007 General Elections. Blog posts from 8 January 2005 to 2 January 2008 are culled as data for this study. We also show that linguistic items encode a variety of actions. Whereas 'elect(ion)' enhances civic fulfilment, 'select(ion)' evokes apathy in the minds of electorates. Moreover, the use of 'elect(ion)' indicates citizen participation whereas 'select(ion)' is indicative of civic deprivation. These two lexical cognates express the mood and attitudes of the electorates towards the Nigerian 2007 General Elections.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: How can we account for the success of Justice and Development Party (AKP) in the July 2007 elections in Turkey? Through a close analysis of events that led to early elections and the election campaign led by AKP, I show in this paper that the party success is based three important factors. First, the strong party machine led by the charismatic leader Erdogan was prepared well for the elections using both interpersonal and mass communication techniques, developed an affective bond with the electorate. Second, the party had focused on solving everyday problems of the people through clientalist networks throughout its four year rule and continued these activities throughout the campaign period and thus motivating the people to work and vote for the party. Third, the party framed its failures in policy, the political polarization and crisis that emerged as the responsibility of the statist forces that are working against the people and presented itself as the only option for the electorate that want continued economic and political stability and development.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: We seek to investigate the underlying reasons for Turkey’s pro_Islamic JDP's paradoxical success and ask why and how the AKP’s victory signifies a major shift in the balance of forces in Turkish politics in the direction of "conservative globalists."

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: The conduct of free and fare elections has remained a mirage in Nigeria. Public polls held in 1959, 1979 and 1983 were all fraught with crass anomalies ranging from electoral violence, intimidation and harassment of voters, ballot box snatching and stuffing, under age voting, vote buying etc. The 1999 elections marking the end of transition to civil rule showed no improvements from the past. The 2003 and 2007 elections were worse. What does this experience portend for the development of democracy in Nigeria?_x000d__x000d_The paper explores the phenomenon of the futile attempts Nigeria has made at the conduct of elections and presents overt problems that manifested in her 2007 General Elections. Data derived from a post-elections survey conducted in Nigeria’s North-West Geo-Political Zone involving 4,820 respondents are presented using percentage tables and charts. Analysis is made to demonstrate the grave implications of these problems on Nigeria’s fledgling democracy. Also addressed is how these malpractices can be tackled to enhance free and fair elections in Nigeria in the future and brighten the prospects of consolidating her democracy.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: The attire of women, in particular the style of donning of the headscarf to cover the head, neck and the shoulders of women (türban) by pious Sunni women has once again become the center of controversy in Turkish higher education and politics. The amended