Social Media in Political Mobilization and Civic Engagement in Nigeria: A Conceptual Approach

Abstract

In Nigeria, social media has transformed the political landscape, by playing a critical role in political mobilization and civic engagement. This conceptual paper explored the intersection of social media and political activism in Nigeria, focusing on how platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram etc, have enabled citizens to organize, mobilize, and influence political outcomes. Drawing on the Social Movement Theory (SMT), this paper analyzed the dynamics of online activism, its impact on the political and media processes, and the broader implications for Nigerian democracy. This study also considered some challenges such as misinformation, digital divide, and the life-threatening government’s surveillance on the social media activists.