| Abstract: |
This study investigates the influence of Twitter on the political engagement of Nigerian youths during the 2023 general elections, with a focus on six local government areas in Anambra State: Awka North, Awka South, Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Onitsha North, and Onitsha South. With the growing integration of social media into civic life, particularly among digitally active youth populations, the research examines how Twitter was used as a tool for political awareness, mobilization and participation. Drawing on the Social Capital Theory and the Uses and Gratifications Theory, the study explores the dynamics of political communication in the digital age, addressing both motivations for and outcomes of political engagement on Twitter. A structured survey was conducted among 294 valid respondents aged 18–35 years, using a Likert-scale questionnaire to assess frequency of Twitter usage, influence on political opinion, and levels of civic participation. Findings indicate that Twitter significantly enhances political awareness among Nigerian youths, shaping their perceptions of political issues and encouraging participation in political discourse and activism. A substantial number of respondents used Twitter not only to access political information but also to organise, promote, and participate in political movements during the election period. Furthermore, statistical analysis confirmed strong internal consistency in the measured constructs, with Cronbach's Alpha values ranging from 0.84 to 0.91. Despite the positive correlation between Twitter usage and political participation, the study also highlights challenges such as misinformation, algorithmic bias, and online harassment. Nevertheless, the research underscores the platform's critical role in modern Nigerian political engagement, particularly in empowering youth to influence democratic processes and hold political actors accountable. The study concludes by recommending policy attention to digital civic education, improved media literacy, and broader incorporation of social media dynamics into political campaign strategies and electoral governance in Nigeria. |
