By Rahmatullah Mahmud
The emergence of cyber politics has brought about a new phase of involvement and impact in Nigerian politics, as demonstrated by Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan’s ground-breaking book, “Cyber Politics: Social Media, Social Demography, and Voting Behavior in Nigeria”. Ibietan adeptly examines the complex interplay among social media platforms, demographic variables, and voting patterns through painstaking investigation and perceptive analysis, especially in light of Nigeria’s political environment.
The book examines how digital platforms have revolutionized political communication, using the 2015 Nigerian presidential election as a case study. It emphasizes how social media platforms have developed into essential spaces for influencing public opinion, energizing voters, and determining the results of elections. Ibietan offers a thorough framework for comprehending the complex dynamics of cyber politics through the Channel-Factor Model presented in the book. This model is essential for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners alike.
Ibietan’s work has garnered recognition from esteemed individuals like Prof. Peter Esuh, the dean of the University of Uyo’s Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, and Aminu Maida, Ph.D., the executive vice chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission among others. Cyber Politics is a useful tool for understanding the intricacies of political communication in the digital era, particularly as Nigeria struggles with the changing relationship between democracy and technology. It not only demonstrates Ibietan’s academic prowess but also serves as a strong call to action for all parties involved to adopt creative strategies for utilizing the potential of cyberpolitics to further Nigerian democracy.
Conclusively, Cyber Politics is a fundamental addition to the discussion surrounding political communication in Nigeria, providing a guide for using digital technology to improve public participation, educate the public, and fortify democratic establishments. Ibietan’s book is a light of guidance for the country as it embraces the opportunities and challenges of cyber politics, encouraging a new generation of academics and practitioners to steer the country toward a more dynamic and inclusive democracy.
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