Impact Of Social Media On Electorate, Others Examined

Social media has been identified as an instrument that has whittled down the powers and influence of the electorates and community leaders in the political space in Kogi Central.

Okeji Daniel, who gave this hint in a statement issued and made available to journalists in Lokoja yesterday, noted that despite social media’s positive impact across the globe, it has served as an instrument of deceit by politicians in Nigeria, particularly in Kogi State.

Daniel a social commentator, in the statement titled “Political Relevance In The Face Of Social Media Politics”, said even though social media, has transformed the world, making marketing easier, reconnecting long-lost friends, strengthening family bonds, and bringing business associates closer, it has also come with other negative effects.

Still discussing the positive effects of social media, he said, “It has opened up access to information, images, and live events in ways that were unimaginable in 2007.

“Between 2007 and 2010, under the leadership of former Governor Ibrahim Idris, Kogi Central Senatorial District was turned into a war zone by miscreants protecting their ‘meal tickets’ from their ‘Ogas at the top.’ Sadly, the world couldn’t hear our cries because there were no live videos, no instant photo uploads, no social media presence to bear witness to the killings and chaos.

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“But as we count the benefits of social media, we must also acknowledge its drawbacks especially in the political space of Nigeria, Kogi State, and particularly Kogi Central.

“I grew up in Enyinare, in Onyukoko ward of Okene Local Government. Back then, Onyukoko was home to respected political figures filled with wisdom. Politicians from all over the state came to seek their guidance and blessings. These elders would assess aspirants, ask questions, and give directives their followers trusted beyond money or sweet words.

“I remember when Senator Ahmed T. Ahmed would frequently visit Adai Oneta’s house in Enyinare. He was humble and accessible. We could proudly point at his photo and say, “This is Adai Ahmed.T. Ahmed.” Back then, the only source of political news was Otite’s “Uto Onyi Avi” radio program.”

He maintained that, “today, the political system has been deeply influenced, some would say corrupted by social media. Many politicians have grown more proud and distant. The digital space has birthed followers who are manipulative and cunning. It’s now common to see someone empower 10 people but post pictures of 100, just to earn social media validation.

“Worse still, social media has disconnected many aspirants from the wisdom of elders. Instead of consulting respected leaders for direction, they hire Facebook influencers to polish their image, posting pictures in white agbada and expensive veils, posing as “messiahs” of the people.

“I grew up seeing politicians like Senator Ahmed.T. Ahmed, Hon. Etudaiye, Senator Ohize, and Senator Ohiare personally visiting political elders, even in the middle of the night. Today’s aspirants would rather remain in their Lokoja or Abuja residences, waiting for constituents to come in large numbers just so they can take a photo for Facebook.