Communication and Media Codes Journal

A JOURNAL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MASS COMMUNICATION, UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA

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

Business Manager

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 Ihejirika  

Dr. Chukwujekwu Charles Onwuka Department of Sociology, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam Campus. Email: cc.onwuka@coou.edu.ng
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