Social Media Usage and Impacts on the 2019 General Elections in Nigeria

Abstract

There have been controversial opinions on the role of the social media in elections. Some scholars have argued that the social media creates the platform for all to be part of democratic governance through public opinions, while others think otherwise. This study investigated the usage and impact of social media on the 2019 general elections. The study adopts primary and secondary methods of data collection. Findings from the study revealed that social media was used to inform and mobilize voters by various stakeholders during the 2019 elections. Also, findings indicated that the social media has the potential to add value to subsequent elections in Nigeria. It is therefore recommended that social media should be encouraged in political mobilization and participation of citizens considering its unique advantages to democratic consolidation in Nigeria.

Keywords: Elections, social media, voters

DOI: 10.7176/IAGS/74-03

Publication date:July 31^st 2019