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Paper short abstract

Nigerian youth used social media to organize the #EndBadGovernance protests in August 2024, demonstrating the transformative power of digital platforms in fostering activism and uniting diverse supporters. Despite facing challenges like government restrictions, misinformation, and cyber harassment.

Paper long abstract

In August 2024, Nigerian youth leveraged social media to organize the #EndBadGovernance protests, showcasing the transformative potential of digital platforms in fostering activism and uniting diverse supporters around shared goals. This paper examines the credibility of social media in building grassroots movements, amplifying marginalized voices, and advocating for economic equality while confronting institutional corruption and systemic government failures. Platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram played pivotal roles in scheduling demonstrations, fostering solidarity, and creating universal support for the cause. Despite its advantages, social media activism faced significant challenges, including government-imposed internet restrictions, digital tracking, and platform exploitation to stifle dissent. The movement encountered additional obstacles such as misinformation, cyber harassment, and the state’s manipulation of digital platforms. However, the #EndBadGovernance hashtag, alongside related tags, became a powerful symbol of public resistance, enabling protesters to bypass mainstream media censorship and maintain direct, transparent communication with the public. This research highlights the resilience and ingenuity of young Nigerian activists, who used digital tools to drive progress in the face of adversity, underscoring social media’s role as a catalyst for democratic engagement within authoritarian contexts. By analyzing both the strengths and vulnerabilities of digital activism, the study offers actionable strategies for enhancing its effectiveness, mitigating risks, and fostering lasting civic engagement. Ultimately, this work provides valuable insights for scholars, policymakers, and activists, illustrating how digital platforms can be harnessed to advance social change, strengthen governance, and create sustainable connections between youth activism and political processes.