The role of social media in the 2015 Presidential elections in Nigeria

On the 28th of March 2015, Nigeria held its Presidential Elections. The elections served as a test for the fledgling democracy which the country has built over the years. 

Contrary to expectations, the elections were free, fair, devoid of wrangling. The opposition party held sway and gained the upper hand it the polls. The opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) also took the majority of the Senate seats and enjoyed wide support and acceptance from the populace.

It was also the very first time in which a ruling party lost elections to an opposition, as well as the first time in which an incumbent president conceded defeat and congratulated the winner at the polls.

The journey to the 28th of March however started way before that date. The APC understood early enough the need to involve the youths of Nigeria, which also prides itself as the most populous black country in the world as well as the largest economy in Africa. 

Prior to the elections, the presidential and vice presidential candidate of the opposition party opened Twitter accounts and made their presence known on social media in which they engaged directly with the young people. Several issues were raised and the candidates were able to sell their programs and policies directly to those who mattered most. Posts were favorited and retweeted by thousands and the ripple effect meant that young voters had access to information on the go and were able to make up their minds as to who to cast their votes for. 

Several campaigns were also started by young people in which they became volunteers, campaigners and actively canvassed votes for their preferred candidate. The "Change" slogan which the opposition party floated as its rallying call was mostly embraced by all. 

Lively discussions, posts and virtual town hall meetings held almost on a regular basis on cyber space. People were able to air their opinions, and for once in the bistros if the country, the young people became actively involved politically. For any Government to actively involve and engage with its youths, it must go where they are. And right now, the youths spend most of their time on social media and the Internet. Information is available on the go and people make up their minds on issues in the split of a second. 

On the day in which the results were being announced there was no electricity, which is one of the issues Nigeria faces at the moment and which, hopefully, will be addressed by the incoming administration. Still I was able to follow up with the trends, news and announcements on Twitter as several young people were tweeting the results on the go as they were being announced. Even though I couldn't watch the news, I was able to follow the developments as they happened on the go.

Indeed, social media helped shape the opinion of a lot of youths in the elections and increased the political awareness and consciousness of the youths of Nigeria, be it by offering a platform for the candidates to interact directly with the voters or offering a setting to hold virtual town hall meetings.

The presidential elections have come and gone, winners and losers now know their fate. But the elections have definitely raised the bar for civic participation via social media for future elections in Nigeria.