AI AND POLITICAL COMMUNICATION: EMPOWERING POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN ENUGU STATE
Author(s) Name:
EMMANUEL IYKE NNAMANI. UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA. edengene27@gmail.com
Year of Publication:
2024
Volume:
Vol. 1. August, 2024

Abstract
In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have revolutionized various sectors, and their potential to transform political engagement and communication is increasingly recognized. This paper explores the role of AI in enhancing political communication and empowering political participation in Enugu state, Nigeria. The study also examines the current state of political participation in Enugu state, identifies challenges faced by citizens, and demonstrates how AI applications can address these issues, leading to more inclusive, transparent, and engaging political processes. Theoretical support were Technological Determinism and Agenda-Setting theories. Australian Calculator was useful in determining sample size of 385. Findings suggest 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. Results 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. From the outcome, the researcher recommends among other things that there should be training and retraining of staff members of Enugu state independence electoral commission (ENSIEC) and other stakeholders to manage Artificial intelligence apparatus effectively.
Keywords: Artificial intelligence, political communication, political participation, Enugu state
Editorial Team
Editor-in-Chief
Prof. Michael O. Ukonu
Deputy Editor-in-Chief
Dr Blessing Chinweobo-Onuoha
Associate Editors
Prof. L.I. Anorue
Prof. J. Wogu
Prof. G. Ezeah
Prof. C.C. Okpoko
Review
Dr Chidiebere Nwachukwu
Dr Ozioma Nwokedi
Dr Victor Nwogbo
Dr Belinda Anyakoha
Dr Uchenna Eze
Dr Ike Ugbor
Secretary
Dr Stephen Ogbodoh
Design Editor
Dr Ike Elike
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Dr Martin Ezugwu
Editorial Consultants
Prof. Nnanyelugo Okoro, Department of Mass Communication, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State
Professor Sunny Udezeh, Department of Mass Communication, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Enugu State
Professor Ezekiel Asemah, Vice Chancellor’s Office, Glorious Vision University, Benin, Edo State
Professor Jude Terna Kur, Department of Information Science and Media Studies, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State
Prof. Rotimi Williams Olatunji, School of Communications, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos State
Prof Walter IhejirikaDr. Chukwujekwu Charles Onwuka Department of Sociology, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam Campus. Email: cc.onwuka@coou.edu.ng
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