INFLUENCE OF FACEBOOK ON ENUGU YOUTH’S TURNOUT DURING THE GENERAL ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA

This study investigated the “Influence of Facebook on Enugu Youth’s Turn-out during the 2023 General Elections in Nigeria”. The primary objective of the study was to: Determine the frequency of exposure of Enugu youths to the social media platform (Facebook) during the 2023 general elections in Nigeria; ascertain whether the social media platform (Facebook) was useful in mobilizing Enugu urban youths for political participation during the 2023 general election in Nigeria, find out if Facebook was the most influential social media platform in mobilizing Enugu urban youths for political participation during the 2023 general election in Nigeria and determine the extent to which Facebook and other social media can influence massive youth turn-out and participation at the 2023 general elections in Nigeria. The researcher employed descriptive survey research design to carry out the study. 722664 population of Enugu metropolis comprising three (3) local government areas to wit: Enugu East, Enugu North and Enugu South local government areas respectively was used. A sample size of 400 was determined with Taro Yamane statistical formular. Data were collected by means of a structured questionnaire administered by the researcher to Enugu youths who are 18 years and also participated in the 2023 general elections whereas 380 copies were retrieved and used for analysis. The data were analyzed using simple tables and percentages. Chi-square (x2 ) statistical tool was used to test hypotheses for reliability. The findings showed that The empirical findings showed that Enugu youths are exposed to the social media platform Facebook during the 2023 general elections in Nigeria on daily basis. Research findings revealed that to a large extent, the social media platform (Facebook) was useful in mobilizing Enugu urban youths for political participation during the 2023 general election in Nigeria. Statistical evidence from the findings showed that Facebook was the most influential social media platform in mobilizing Enugu urban youths for political participation during the 2023 general election in Nigeria. It was further discovered that Facebook and other social media can influence massive youth turn-out at general elections in Nigeria. Based on the findings of this study, the researcher recommended that There should be periodic public enlightenment on the use of social media platform Facebook for political purpose especially among the Nigerian youths. The government should be at the vanguard of this campaign, using such instruments like the ministries of information at both state and federal levels, the National Orientation Agency, the mass media, among others. Facebook should take advantage of its technological advancement to fight against any form of inducement from politicians during elections with a view to improving the Nigerian electoral process and mitigating youth voter apathy during general elections as evident in the last election conducted after the presidential election in Nigeria