International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: Social media has become central to political communication in Nigeria, offering citizens new avenues for activism. The 2025 Wike-Fubara power tussle in Rivers state provides a vivid case of how digital platforms can shape political discourse. Objectives: This study investigated the use of social media in mobilisation, narrative framing, and public engagement during the Wike-Fubara power tussle in Rivers.
Method: A mixed method design was adopted, comprising content analysis of 150 purposively selected posts across Twitter(X), Facebook, and WhatsApp; alongside in-depth interviews with political actors, journalists, and civil society representatives. Results: Findings show that social media amplified public participation, mobilized support, and influenced perception of the crisis. However, the platforms also facilitated misinformation, propaganda, and political polarisation.
Conclusion: Thee study concludes that social media is both a tool for democratic participation and a risk factor for political instability in Nigeria's sub-national politics. Unique contribution: The study provides one of the earliest scholarly insights into the Wike-Fubara crisis, extending debates on digital democracy in African sub-national conflicts. Recommendations: Strengthening digital literacy, enhancing fact checking mechanism, and fostering inclusive online dialogues are critical to harnessing social media's democratic potentials while mitigating the risks.