The question behind the research
Online discussions can make political concerns visible, but visibility does not necessarily translate into offline involvement. This study compares online advocacy for good governance with reported political participation and awareness of elected representatives among the young people surveyed.
What the study found
Online discussion was frequent.
More than half of respondents discussed good governance online daily. WhatsApp was the leading platform, followed by Facebook and X. Commenting on political discussions and sharing governance-related posts were common activities.
Offline involvement was less consistent.
The brief reports that just over half had never voted, protested, or attended political rallies. Among those who had participated offline, involvement was generally occasional. Most respondents had not joined a political party or attended political training.
Awareness of representatives was uneven.
Most respondents did not know their ward, state assembly, House of Representatives, or Senate representatives in their states of residence and origin. Awareness of governors was higher. Respondents also reported greater familiarity with local government chairmen where they lived than in their states of origin.
Fear and distrust were barriers, but interest remained.
Fear of violence was the main reported barrier to offline participation, followed by lack of interest and distrust in the electoral body. Many respondents said they felt unsafe participating offline. Nevertheless, a strong majority expressed willingness to participate more if security, transparency, electoral credibility, and corruption concerns were addressed.
The researcher's recommendations
- Improve security before, during, and after elections to help people participate safely.
- Expand civic and political education, including awareness of elected representatives.
- Pursue reforms that strengthen transparency and confidence in the electoral process.
- Create conditions that help willingness to participate become practical offline involvement.
Putting the findings in context
The research points to an opportunity to connect online interest with informed, safer offline engagement. Because participants were recruited through social media, the findings describe this surveyed group and should not be treated as a representative estimate for all young Nigerians.