SOCIAL MEDIA AND PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU’S FOREIGN POLICY: THE OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

The advent of Social Media has fundamentally reshaped Nigeria’s diplomatic conduct under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (2023–present), influencing how foreign policy is formulated, communicated, and contested. This study examines the dual role of platforms such as X/Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram in shaping Tinubu’s diplomatic agenda, focusing on three pivotal contexts: the ECOWAS mediation effort in the Sahel, former President Trump’s controversial tweets alleging a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, and the domestic security crises stemming from banditry and insurgent violence. The paper identifies key opportunities rapid agenda‑setting and real‑time messaging that bolstered Nigeria’s leadership image in ECOWAS negotiations; amplified diaspora engagement that supported humanitarian and security appeals; and the ability to counter misinformation swiftly. It also outlines challenges viral disinformation from external actors (e.g., Trump’s unfounded genocide claim) that strained diplomatic relations and forced the Nigerian government into defensive posturing; fragmented coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Presidency, and digital units, leading to inconsistent messaging; and security risks when extremist groups exploit platform openness to spread propaganda. using realism theory and content analysis of social media the research explores social media’s role in shaping state behavior. The study concludesthat effective social management is crucial for Nigeria’s diplomacy. It also provides insight into social media diplomacy in developing countries highlighting policymakers need to harness social media for national interest. In sum, while social media offers Tinubu’s government powerful tools for soft power and crisis management, a coherent digital diplomacy framework, rapid verification mechanisms, and inter‑agency coordination are essential to harness its opportunities.