Budapest International Research and Critics Institute-Journal (BIRCI-Journal): Humanities and Social Sciences
Vol 9, No 1 (2026): Budapest International Research and Critics Institute February

Social Media and Political Communication in the 2023 Campaign in Nigeria

Iloh, Mmesomachukwu Chukwuemeka (Unknown)
Saint, Ekpali Joseph (Unknown)
Maiwada, Abdullahi Aliyu (Unknown)
Onyejelem, Timothy Ekeledirichukwu (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
02 Feb 2026

Abstract

This paper examines the role of social media in shaping political communication during the 2023 general election campaign in Nigeria. It investigates how political actors, parties, and citizen networks used digital platforms to disseminate messages, mobilise supporters, counter opposition narratives, and influence public opinion. Secondary data was used to generate relevant information on social media platform like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp, to identify communication patterns, strategies, and audience engagement behaviour. The paper argues that social media served as a critical arena for agenda-setting, political persuasion, real-time interaction, and participatory discourse, while also amplifying misinformation, emotional appeals, and polarising content. The paper concludes that social media significantly reshaped Nigeria’s 2023 campaign landscape by expanding political reach, enhancing youth participation, and redefining how political messages are produced, circulated, and contested. Nigerian political candidates have endeavoured to navigate the complex social media landscape. Initiatives such as fact-checking organisations and partnerships with digital influencers came as countermeasures to misinformation and targeted messaging.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

birci

Publisher

Subject

Religion Arts Humanities Economics, Econometrics & Finance Social Sciences

Description

Budapest International Research and Critics Institute (BIRCI-Journal) : Humanities and Social Sciences is a peer-reviewed journal published in February, May, August and November by Budapest International Research and Critics University Journal (BIRCU-Journal). BIRCI welcomes research papers in ...