Exploring the Social Media Option in Fighting Political Corruption in Nigeria

Background: Political corruption has been a major cause of underdevelopment in Nigeria. Anti-graft agencies like Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have tried to fight it but it continues unabated, thus, the need to explore other avenues to fight the disease. Objectives: Ways social media are used to fight political corruption and challenges in doing so. Method: A descriptive survey research design was applied; 400 respondents were sampled using a multistage sampling technique. Participants were sampled from six states that make up the North-Central and the Federal Capital Territory. Viz: Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nassarawa, Plateau, Niger and Abuja. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, while analyses were done using percentages and multiple regression analysis. Result: Social media expose corrupt practices in government circles; help in value re-orientation; advocate for adequate funding of anti-graft agencies, and demand transparency from public office holders. Conclusion: Social media has the potential of fighting political corruption. Unique contribution: Social media can be used in the fight against political corruption. Key recommendation: Government should work at improving social networks, internet facilities and the power sector to encourage users of social media in their efforts to fight political corruption.