Social Media Influencers and Youth Participation in the 2023 Nigerian Election: a Study of Offa

Student: Oluwapelumi Esther Bamidele (Project, 2025)
Department of Mass Communication
Lens Polytechnic, offa, Kwara State.


Abstract

This study examines the influence of social media influencers on youth political participation during Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, with focus on Offa metropolis. It explores how digital platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and WhatsApp shaped youths’ political awareness, engagement, and voter turnout. The study adopted a mixed research design using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Findings revealed that social media influencers play a crucial role in mobilizing, educating, and motivating young Nigerians to engage in civic and political activities. The research recommends that political actors, civil society groups, and policymakers leverage credible influencers to strengthen youth participation and democratic development in Nigeria.

Keywords
social media influencers youth participation 2023 election Nigeria Offa political communication voter engagement digital influence voter turnout