The Intersection of Political Culture and Communication in Lagos State: Exploring the Role of Traditional and Social Media, Indigenous Communication Styles, and Language in Shaping Political Discourse and Engagement

The study examines the relationship between political communication, social media use, and engagement in political participation in Lagos State, Nigeria. Employing a mixed-methods approach involving a literature review, focus group discussions, and structured interviews, the paper found that social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and WhatsApp are increasingly used by citizens to engage in political discussions, share information, and organise collective action. Furthermore, younger and lower-income citizens were found to be more likely to engage in political discussions on social media. The study also revealed that rural citizens are less likely to feel empowered to express their political views on social media. Based on these findings, the paper offers several recommendations for political parties and civil society organisations, including targeting younger and lower-income citizens through social media campaigns, and launch WhatsApp groups in rural areas to engage citizens in political discussions. The study also highlights the potential of digital technologies as tools for promoting political participation and engagement in developing democracies, and suggests the future research on the study should adopt a multidisciplinary and intersectional approach. Overall, the paper contributes to the existing literature on political communication and engagement in Lagos State and provides a roadmap for addressing the challenges and opportunities facing democratic participation in Nigeria. In conclusion, the paper underscores the importance of adopting a multidisciplinary and intersectional approach to understanding political communication and engagement in Lagos State, and other similar contexts. By exploring the different groups of citizens, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the factors that shape political participation and engagement, and identify strategies for promoting democratic values and practices. Furthermore, by engaging in cross-sectoral dialogue and action, policymakers, civil society organisations, and citizens can work together to create a more inclusive and participatory political culture that values diversity, equity, and social justice