The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, is actively promoting the work of one of the commission’s staff members, Omoniyi Ibietan, PhD, who serves as the Head of Media Relations.
Ibietan’s latest publication, titled “Cyber Politics: Social Media, Social Demography, and Voting Behaviour in Nigeria,” has captured widespread attention, sparking dialogues regarding the transformative influence of social media on Nigeria’s political sphere.
In his book, Ibietan conducts an extensive analysis of the pivotal role played by social media platforms in shaping political discourse and voter behavior within Nigeria. He meticulously examines the complex interplay between social media utilization, demographic factors, and voting tendencies specific to the Nigerian context.
Dr. Maida, in a paper titled “Cyberpolitics and the Re-engineering of Political Communication in Africa,” underscores the significance of Ibietan’s research, particularly its exploration of the nexus between social media engagement and electoral outcomes, as evidenced by the 2015 presidential election. He highlights how Ibietan’s findings underscore the potential of social media to sway voter opinions.
Moreover, Dr. Maida underscores Ibietan’s emphasis on the rising influence of “digital natives” in shaping electoral dynamics and stresses the necessity for a nuanced understanding of the intersection between social media, demographics, and political engagement. He advocates for an adaptation of conventional media strategies to align with the evolving digital landscape.
Ibietan’s work has garnered acclaim from prominent figures within academia, including Professor Umaru Pate, President of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria, and Professor Peter Esuh, Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies at the University of Uyo. Both scholars laud Ibietan’s contribution to comprehending the impact of social media on Nigerian politics and emphasize the significance of considering the future implications of emerging technologies, such as AI and Big Data, on political communication.
The discussions prompted by Ibietan’s book underscore the potential for social media to reshape the dynamics of Nigerian elections. As the influence of digital natives continues to rise and social media platforms expand their reach, traditional campaign methodologies may necessitate significant revisions. Ibietan’s research offers invaluable insights for political practitioners, communication scholars, and individuals seeking to grasp the evolving role of social media in democratic processes.NCC EVC Backs Ibietan’s Groundbreaking Book Unveiling Social Media’s Election Influence
