Abstract:

Recently, the use of new media for political campaigns to encourage political participation, especially among young people, has become a growing practice worldwide. In Nigeria, the use of the new media for political campaigns and communication has continued to grow, as was evident during the 2023 Presidential Election. This study examined the use of new media by youth, politicians, political parties, NGOs and Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to sensitise and encourage the participation of young people between the ages of 18 and 35 in Port Harcourt Local Government Area of Rivers State in the election. This study was hinged on the Agenda Setting Theory and the New Media Theory. The data were generated by applying the survey research design, using questionnaire as the instrument. The results from the investigation provide more information on the use of new media for political participation by young electorate.