Abstract

In Africa automobiles are used as means of transportation and channels of political, social and economic communication. In Kano state various individuals, groups, institutions and organization are engage in selective use of alternative media to advance political interest. This study used Focus Group and In-Depth Interview techniques to examine the meaning and purpose of the politically oriented messages featured on public transport vehicles during the 2015 Elections in Kano. Three groups of six public transport drivers and three transport entrepreneurs were selected for the FGD and In-depth-Interview. The study found that public transport entrepreneurs and drivers used politically inclined textual and visual messages on their vehicles to construct political identity, popularize political parties and candidates, demonstrate political sympathy and recognize traditional political heroes. The study concludes that the culture is political communication tool aimed at promoting political participation and awareness. The study recommends examination of the communicative impact of the culture and its usage by governments and civil society organizations to foster socio-political information.

Key Words: Political Communication, Transport Literature, Symbolism, Campaign

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*Hassan Alhaji Ya'u, Ph.D.,  lectures at the Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University Kano.  He has B.A, M.Sc. & Ph.D. in Mass Communication from the University.

**Gambo Shehu Nababa is a PhD Candidate at the Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University Kano. He has first degree in Mass Communication from the University and M.Sc. from the Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos.

^JCMRJournal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 8, No. 2, October 2016, 34 – 47