SOCIAL MEDIA'S IMPACT ON THE 2023 NIGERIAN GENERAL ELECTION

ABSTRACT

The study examined the role of social media in the 2023 general election in Nigeria. The rise and proliferation of social media have reshaped the political ambiance of Nigeria in terms of educating and mobilising Nigerians. The influence of social media in modern society is immeasurable. In fact, it has become the most accessible source of information in present-day society. This information on social media is unregulated, and sometimes it tends to be biased, presumptuous, or even tentative. Social media is a podium for political analysis, debates, political campaigns, and political mobilization. A survey research method was used, coupled with 150 copies of questionnaires that were administered to different communities in Edo State. Such as Egor, Oredo, and Ikpoba-okha, etc. With this political dispensation, political officeholders and politicians now have and manage social media accounts such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, among others. Political leaders and political candidates now share their political agenda and mobilise people towards its propagation. It is recommended that social media be improved to enhance better public mobilisation, sensitization, and true democracy.