SOCIAL MEDIA AND VOTERS’ PARTICIPATION IN THE 2021 GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

Objective: The study examined the social media and voters’ participation in the 2021 governorship election in Anambra State, while operationalising the social media with facebook and X.

Methodology/approach: A survey research design was used in the study. The study was conducted in Anambra State. Multiple regression analysis was employed to assess research hypotheses while the significance level for the research hypotheses was set at 0.05.

Originality/Relevance: Previous studies on social media and voters participation portrays contradictory results on whether facebook and X significantly affect voters participation or not formed the gap in this study.

Main results: The study found that Facebook has significant effect on voters’ participation in the 2021 governorship election in Anambra State. X” (Formerly known as Twitter) has no significant effect on voters’ participation in the 2021 governorship election in Anambra State, Nigeria.

Social /management contributions: The study recommended that in order to avoid flaws and maximize the inherent benefits of technology in the election process, governments should try to monitor, moderate, or regulate Facebook and other platforms. Furthermore, the public must be educated on the use of "X" platforms for political ends, particularly with regard to young. This campaign should be led by the political parties, who should make use of resources like the mass media, the National Orientation Agency, and State and Federal Ministries of Information, among others.