“FAKE NEWS” AND POLITICAL TRUST: THE NIGERIAN PREDICAMENT

Abstract

The proliferation of fake news in Nigeria poses significant threats to political trust, a cornerstone of democratic 
governance. This study examines the intricate relationship between fake news and political trust within the Nigerian 
context, highlighting how structural issues such as weak media regulation, ethno-religious divisions, and inadequate 
media literacy worsen the impact of misinformation. The paper adopts a conceptual approach, drawing on media 
effects theories, trust and mistrust frameworks, and analyses of Nigeria’s unique socio-political setting. This 
research understands that fake news undermines institutional credibility, amplifies societal polarisation, and 
perpetuates perceptions of governance failure. The study also identifies the role of social media as a catalyst for the 
rapid dissemination of fake news, complicating efforts to restore public confidence in political institutions. To 
address these challenges, the paper advocates for comprehensive strategies, including robust media regulation, 
digital literacy initiatives, and collaboration between policymakers, civil society, and technology platforms. This 
research contributes to the growing discourse on media influence, trust erosion, and democratic sustainability in 
Nigeria.