ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) AND POLITICAL COMMUNICATION: EMPOWERING POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN SELECTED SOUTHEAST STATES, NIGERIA

Abstract

This article explores the role of Artificial Intelligence(AI) in enhancing political Communication and Empowering Political Participation in Selected Southeast States in Nigeria. 

In recent years, AI technologies have revolutionized various sectors, and their potential to transform political engagement and communication is increasingly recognized. This survey examines the current state of political participation in southeast Nigeria, identifies challenges faced by citizens, and demonstrates how AI applications can address these issues, leading to more inclusive, transparent, and engaging political processes using technology determinism and agenda setting theories. Deploying purposive sampling, to select 400 respondents from selected states of Ebonyi and Enugu States, Nigeria. Findings show that participation in politics has witnessed series of challenges, ranging from limited access to information, voter apathy and inefficiencies in governance structures often hinders citizens from fully engaging in the political affairs. Findings, however, contrast the notion that online media literacy especially AI tools usage is a barrier, which assume that uneducated people may not be able to manipulate them effectively. Results also demonstrate that AI application could be an excellent strategy for futuristic political development in the region. The study therefore recommends among other things, a training and retraining of staff members of Ebonyi State Independence electoral commission (EBSIEC) and Enugu State Independence electoral commission (ENSIEC) with other stakeholders to manage Artificial Intelligence apparatus effectively.