SOCIAL MEDIA AS AN AGENT OF POLITICAL EDUCATION ON ELECTORAL FRAUD IN THE 2023 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

This study investigates the effectiveness of political education delivered through social media platforms in deterring electorates’ involvement in fraudulent practices during Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election. Amid growing reliance on digital platforms for political communication, this research explores how platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter/X influenced voters’ political awareness on electoral fraud, engagement, and decision-making. Using a quantitative survey design, data were collected from 100 participants through a structured questionnaire, with items categorized under political education, effectiveness of social media in deterring electoral fraud, barriers to digital political education and electoral integrity. Descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, were used to analyze responses. The results reveal that a substantial proportion of respondents received political education on fraud from social media, with WhatsApp and Facebook serving as major sources. The weighted mean for political education (3.51) and perceived effectiveness (3.69) exceeded the threshold value of 3.00, indicating a generally positive view of social media’s role in voter enlightenment which contributed to discouraging electoral malpractice. However, findings also highlighted key barriers, including internet inaccessibility, misinformation, and distrust of online content, with the highest weighted mean (3.86) in this dimension. These challenges suggest that while social media contributes positively to political education on electoral fraud, its impact on electoral integrity is moderated by issues of access, literacy, and content reliability. The study concludes that while social media is a vital tool for political education, its impact on electoral integrity depends on improved digital literacy, better access to reliable information, and strategic policy interventions. Recommendations for future research include longitudinal studies and platform-specific analyses to deepen understanding of social media’s evolving political role in democratic societies.