Power, voice and e-quality: citizen political participation via social media in Nigeria

Extant literature has shown that media has shaped the establishment of nascent democracies. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of research which addresses the democratic significance of media in the context of developing economies. The media influences the nature and development of institutions as this is particularly evident in challenging environments plagued with an uncertain institutional framework. This paper develops suggestions by emphasizing that social media not only influences institutions but institutions may also influence media. The mainstay of this research aims to illuminate our understanding of social media influence in Nigerian politics. This research is predicated on a three step model. Firstly, we explore extant literature in understanding the role of citizen participation. Secondly, we draw on institutional and democratisation theories towards developing a conceptual framework. Finally, we surmise by examining the role media plays in shaping institutional reforms.