Abstract

This study examines the function of WhatsApp groups in mobilising young people for political engagement in the South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The research employed a descriptive survey approach, using structured questionnaires to gather data from a sample of 573 participants throughout the six states in the South-East area. The data analysis used simple statistics to show how often things happened and more complex methods to find relationships between different factors, including frequency distributions, cross-tabulations, Pearson correlation, and Chi-square tests. The study was based on the Uses and Gratifications Theory and the Political Mobilisation Theory to elucidate the motives and results of youth political involvement using WhatsApp. The research revealed that the youth widely use WhatsApp, characterised by frequent political discourse, campaign advocacy, and election mobilisation within group conversations. More than 80% of participants recognised that WhatsApp had improved their political understanding and impacted their vote choices. A notable statistical correlation was identified between WhatsApp usage and political involvement among youths, indicating that the medium significantly influences political behaviour and participation in this demographic. The study indicates that WhatsApp has emerged as a significant tool for political mobilisation within Nigeria's democratic framework. It advises political stakeholders, civil society organisations, and electoral agencies to use the platform to promote inclusive, issue-oriented, and youthcentric political involvement. We recommend further research to explore alternative social media platforms and examine regional or national disparities.