Social Media and Democratic Consolidation in Nigeria, 2015-2023.

Social media has increasingly shaped political landscapes around the world in recent years. In Nigeria,the growth of digital platforms has led to notable changes in political communication and engagement,particularly during crucial electoral periods. The study examines the role of Social Media in DemocraticConsolidation in Nigeria. Specifically, it examines if the widespread use of electronic media hasenhanced political participation in Nigeria; and also to determine whether the proliferation of newdigital media has promoted political communication in the electoral process. The study used theAgenda-setting theory which posits that media has the power to shape public perception by highlightingcertain issues over others. The study adopted the ex-post facto research design and utilized thesecondary data. Secondary data was collected through the documentary method, such as journals,textbooks, government reports. The study employed the content analysis method in the analysisof generated data. By analyzing platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and WhatsApp, the studyexamines how social media has influenced political agendas and public discourse. The studyreveals that electronic media, which includes platforms such as television, radio, and socialmedia, has emerged as a dominant space for political discourse, advocacy, and mobilization.Additionally, the proliferation of social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter hasrevolutionized the dissemination and consumption of political information in Nigeria. This isquite not surprising as the accessibility of these platforms has allowed users to engage indiscussions about pressing national issues such as governance and electoral reforms. The studyrecommends for the integration of media literacy into civic education curricula by thegovernment and educational institutions to equip citizens with the skills needed to engage withmedia effectively for political participation