Social Media and Political Mobilization During Nigeria's 2023 General Elections

This research project investigated the role of social media in political mobilization during Nigeria's 2023 General election. Nigeria's political landscape has undergone significant transformations in recent years, with social media platforms playing an increasingly influential part in shaping voter engagement, campaign strategies, and election outcomes. This study aimed to analyze how politicians, political parties, and grassroots movements have leveraged social media to reach and mobilize voters, particularly young and marginalized populations. It examined the various ways in which social media has been used for organizing protests, disseminating information, and galvanizing political participation. Through a mixed-methods approach including content analysis of social media posts, interviews with key political actors, and surveys of voters, the research sought to uncover the extent to which social media has influenced electoral processes in Nigeria. It also explored the potential benefits and challenges of social media-driven political mobilization, such as the spread of misinformation, the amplification of polarizing rhetoric, and the emergence of new forms of digital activism. The findings of this study contributed to the growing body of knowledge on the intersection of technology, politics, and civic engagement in the African context. It offered insights that can inform policymaking, campaign strategies, and public discourse around the role of social media in strengthening democratic processes in Nigeria and beyond. This study recommends that social media platforms should establish clear guidelines and fact-checking mechanisms to combat misinformation and disinformation during election periods.