Rally as a Political Public Relations Strategy for Public Acceptance of a Political Party: A Focus on APC Presidential Campaign in Lagos State

Abstract

This study examines the assessment of the use of rally as a political public relations strategy for public acceptance of a political party during the 2015 presidential elections in Lagos State. Public relations uses tactical methods of communication to build relations between an organisation and its internal and external publics. The survey method was used as the research design in carrying out this study and the research instrument used was the questionnaire as well as interview schedule to consolidate the analysis which was carried out. It is interesting to note that 95% of respondents are aware of political rallies being used during elections while 56% of these respondents participated in these political rallies. The findings revealed that political rally is an effective factor that shapes electorates attitude and their choice of candidate. The researchers therefore recommend that electorates should not depend on political rallies alone in making their decisions on who they should vote for during elections. Electorates should not rely on information gotten from one source, but should also seek other sources for more information and better understanding towards accepting a political party and its candidate.

Key words: Elections, public relations, rally, political party,