There is a popular saying that: “Information is power.” This statement isn’t far from the truth and now, the fastest means of disseminating information is through the social media. These are Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Tiktok, etc. Other sources of information such as newspapers magazines and television also contribute immensely to the quick flow of information.
The use of social media, which is the virtual means of exchanging information has been on the increase, especially in this 21st century. Social media has also been used as a strong weapon for the transmission of political activities in Nigeria and the world at large.
According to Google, as at January 2022, “Nigeria registered approximately 109 million active internet users, which corresponds to about half of the total population.” This simply tells you that social media could be a great weapon for achieving power and influence in Nigeria, if properly used.
The active users of social media platforms are the youth. So, they have power in the upcoming 2023 general elections, as they can change, manipulate and play with peoples’ perspectives and beliefs.
If you are a good consumer of the social media, you will bear witness that some candidates became popular through the social media.
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In addition, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the traditional media and civil society organisations have largely dominated the social media space through their interactive websites and platforms. Today, one can access electronic copies of newspapers and read vital information without listening or watching the traditional media. This is because the social media is user-interactive, more affordable and faster than the traditional media. More also, social media handles have become the platform where politicians make their political ambition known to the public.
Furthermore, social media has given new candidates the opportunity to showcase themselves through their social media accounts, which help voters feel more connected to them. I believe that through the effective use, social media will be a game changer in the forthcoming elections.
Ikram Abdulsalam Aminu wrote from Iman Exclusive Academy, Kaduna.
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