NEWSPAPERS COVERAGE OF THE 2021 GUBERNATORIAL PRIMARIES CONFLICTS IN ANAMBRA STATE – A STUDY OF THREE DAILY NATIONAL DAILIES

This research examined how three national newspapers in Nigeria (Daily Sun, The Guardian, and Vanguard) covered the conflicts that arose during 2021 gubernatorial primaries Anambra State. researchers used agenda-setting theory to analyse news reports determined depth, direction, dominant frames report on crises. study lasted eight months, from April 1st November 30th, 2021, analysed 732 editions of selected using content analysis. results showed depth coverage election party crisis state by is related framing stories; direction reportage significantly correlated with journalism frames, Conflict Informative were coverage.it concluded findings emphasised importance journalistic shaping media coverage. recommendations made should utilise their crises further explore theory, use help manage resolve through communication; primary be approached caution regarding framing, encourage political participation interaction between voters candidates.
 Keywords: Conflicts, Coverage, Election, Frame, Gubernatorial, Primaries.