A groundbreaking academic study has exposed a significant disconnect in Nigeria's political landscape, revealing that a large number of the country's youth are unaware of who represents them in government. The research, which contrasts online activism with real-world political engagement, raises critical questions ahead of the crucial 2027 general elections.
Key Findings: Online Talk vs Offline Action
The study, conducted by award-winning journalist and Legit.ng copy editor James Adakole Ojo, was published in the International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR) on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. It presents a comparative analysis of how Nigerian youths advocate for good governance on digital platforms versus their actual participation in offline political processes.
One of the most striking discoveries is that many young Nigerians cannot name their elected officials at both the local government and National Assembly levels. This lack of basic political knowledge exists despite a noticeable increase in online discussions about governance, accountability, and leadership.
Furthermore, the research indicates that the majority of these digitally active youths do not translate their online advocacy into tangible political actions. This includes activities like attending town hall meetings, participating in community political forums, or engaging directly with representatives.
Fear and Distrust: Major Barriers to Participation
Ojo's investigation identified several key factors discouraging youth from engaging in the political process. A predominant issue is the fear of violence. Many young people feel unsafe participating in electoral activities, a concern rooted in Nigeria's history of violent incidents during election campaigns.
Beyond security fears, the study points to a deep-seated lack of interest and widespread distrust in the electoral system. This apathy and skepticism prevent many from seeing the value in offline political involvement, creating a cycle of disengagement.
The research concludes that for Nigeria to achieve meaningful governance reforms, its youth must move beyond social media activism. Active and informed participation in offline political processes is non-negotiable, the study asserts.
Urgent Reforms Needed Ahead of 2027 Elections
With Nigeria poised to witness its largest and most youthful electorate in history at the 2027 polls, the study's recommendations are timely. It calls for urgent, multi-faceted reforms to bridge the awareness and participation gap.
To encourage youth engagement, the study recommends:
- Implementing robust security measures before, during, and after elections to protect citizens and build public trust.
- Launching extensive civic education campaigns to help youths understand governance structures and identify their political leaders.
- Addressing the core issues of distrust in electoral bodies and fostering greater political transparency.
In a personal statement, James Ojo described the publication as "a personal milestone." He shared that after eight years dominated by journalism, he made a conscious decision in late 2025 to dedicate time to research, an area he deeply values.
James Ojo, a mass communication graduate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, is a decorated journalist. His accolades include the 2022 Hostwriter Prize, the PwC Media Excellence Award, TheCable Journalist of the Year award, and the 2024 African Prize for Investigative Journalism (PAJI) online category. He was also selected by the Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN) for its 2025 conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The study, now undergoing peer review, serves as a crucial wake-up call for stakeholders, emphasizing that the energy of Nigeria's online youth must be harnessed into concrete political action to shape the nation's future.
