Digital Influencers as Catalysts of Cultural and Political Change: Examining Nigeria’s Digital Public Sphere

Abstract

Digital influencers have become pivotal actors in Nigeria’s cultural and political discourse, reshaping traditional narratives and mobilizing new forms of engagement. This article applies Habermas’s Public Sphere Theory and employs an interpretive hermeneutic method to explore the role of digital influencers in Nigeria’s digital transformation. It examines how influencers construct and mediate cultural meaning, amplify marginalized voices, and influence political processes. It focuses on key events such as the #EndSARS protests and the rise of influencerdriven movements in music, fashion, and social justice. By analysing the symbolic power of influencer narratives, this study reveals their dual role as democratizing agents and potential amplifiers of misinformation or elitism. The findings underscore the potential of digital influencers to reshape Nigeria’s public sphere while emphasizing the need for policies and practices that ensure inclusivity and accountability in their operations.