Social media and political participation in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic: Evidence from 2015–2023

Abstract

This study explores the transformative impact of social media on political participation in Nigeria during the Fourth Republic (2015–2023). Amidst the widespread adoption of digital platforms such as Facebook, Twitter (now X), WhatsApp, Instagram, and Telegram, Nigeria’s political communication landscape has undergone a profound transformation. Political engagement, particularly among Nigerian youth, has shifted toward more decentralized, real-time, and interactive forms of civic involvement. Drawing on empirical data and grounded in established democratic theories, this study analyzes how social media influences political knowledge, voting behavior, civic activism, and the broader democratic process in Nigeria. The research focuses on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), a microcosm of the country’s socio-political diversity. The study adopted the agenda setting
theory to explore the nexus between social media and political participation. Using a mixed methods approach, the study incorporates quantitative survey responses and qualitative interviews to examine the drivers, patterns, and limitations of digital political engagement. Findings reveal that social media serves as a significant enabler of political participation. It offers users access to timely political information, spaces for public discourse, and tools for mobilization. However, the study also uncovers challenges such as misinformation, digital exclusion, and shallow participation that often fails to translate into sustained civic action. The paper concludes that social media is not a substitute for traditional democratic institutions but functions as a complementary mechanism capable of strengthening participatory democracy—if supported by digital literacy and inclusive access.