Abstract:

This study examined Edo residents' perception of SMS as a campaign tool during the 2023
elections. The objective was to determine if SMS was a veritable campaign tool during the 2023
elections. The survey methodology was adopted while questionnaire was used as instrument for
data collection. It highlighted that SMS emerged as a prominent communication medium, widely
utilised for voter engagement. The findings reveal significant exposure to SMS campaigns, with
the majority of respondents acknowledging frequent encounters with political messages. Despite
the high frequency and generally positive attitudes towards SMS, its influence on voting patterns
was minimal. The study suggested that while SMS is an effective communication channel, it is not
sufficient to drive substantial changes in voter behaviour alone. To enhance its impact, integrating
SMS with other strategies, personalising messages, and conducting continuous evaluations is
recommended