In a very unusual move in modern-day Nigeria, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, is championing the work of one of his staff members, the commission’s Head, Media Relations, Omoniyi Ibietan, PhD
Ibietan’s new book, “Cyber Politics: Social Media, Social Demography, and Voting Behaviour in Nigeria,” is generating significant buzz, prompting discussions on the transformative power of social media in the country’s political landscape.
The book delves into the critical role social media plays in shaping the country’s political landscape, sparking discussions on its potential to revolutionize elections.
A Deep Dive into Social Media’s Influence
Ibietan’s book comprehensively analyzes how social media platforms influence voters and political discourse. He meticulously examines the intricate relationship between social media use, demographics, and voting behavior in the Nigerian context.
Dr. Aminu Maida, the NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, strongly advocates for Ibietan’s research.
In a paper titled “Cyberpolitics and the Re-engineering of Political Communication in Africa,” Maida highlighted the book’s exploration of the link between social media and voting behavior.
He emphasized how Ibietan’s research, focusing on the 2015 presidential election, sheds light on the power of social media to sway voters.
Focus on Digital Natives and Changing Landscape
Maida noted that Ibietan’s work emphasizes the growing influence of “digital natives” – those raised with technology – on the voting landscape. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the interplay between social media, demography, and political participation. Maida suggests that traditional media approaches may no longer be sufficient, and political strategists must adapt to the evolving digital landscape.
Acclaim from Academic Community
The book has also garnered praise from prominent academics. Professor Umaru Pate, President of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria, commended the book’s contribution to understanding the impact of social media on Nigerian politics. Similarly, Professor Peter Esuh, Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies at the University of Uyo, commended Ibietan’s work and stressed the need to consider the future impact of emerging technologies like AI and Big Data on political communication. Esuh suggests that Ibietan’s research provides valuable insights that can be applied beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Potential for Reshaping Elections
Ibietan’s book has sparked discussions on the potential for social media to reshape the landscape of Nigerian elections. With the growing influence of digital natives and the increasing reach of social media platforms, traditional campaign strategies may need to be significantly revised. Ibietan’s research offers valuable insights for political actors, communication scholars, and anyone interested in understanding the evolving role of social media in the democratic process.
Source: Business Remarks
