SOCIAL MEDIA AND POLITICAL ACTIVISM IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY OF THE #ENDSARS MOVEMENT’S MOBILIZATION STRATEGIES

Abstract

This study investigates the critical role of social media in the #EndSARS movement in Southwest Nigeria, specifically, in 2020. Using a quantitative approach and online survey data from 250 active participants, the research examines how social media facilitates information dissemination, mobilizes support, shape’s public opinion, and influences government response. The theoretical implications of digital activism and networked public frameworks are drawn, providing insights into the complex interplay between social media, political activism, and governance in Nigeria. Findings reveal that social media was instrumental in mobilizing and organizing the movement, enabling activists to disseminate information, coordinate protests, and build a sense of collective identity. Participants who actively used social media reported significantly higher levels of involvement in mobilization efforts. While social media played a crucial role in shaping public opinion, the study also highlighted challenges such as government censorship, misinformation, and online harassment. This research contributes to understanding social media’s potential for promoting democratic governance and social justice in Nigeria. The study underscores the importance of addressing the challenges and limitations associated with social media use in political mobilization, including the need for effective counter-narratives to combat misinformation