The emergence of the internet as the new mass medium of the 21st century now changes the mass media substantially. With increasing knowledge of the computer and internet, and invention of many devices in Information Communication Technology (ICT), politicians as well as the electorate embrace the use of social media platforms for communicating political issues. This paper examines social media and political development in Nigeria with focus on the 2015 general election experience. Secondary data obtained from relevant books, journals, websites and social media platforms resource were adopted and analyzed to accomplish the work. With the adoption and analysis of secondary data, the paper observes that social media has become inevitable tools in political communication in Nigeria and democracy states globally. Also, social media can become an effective and alternative tool for political communication, within the context of the unique multiple platform of new forms of engagement, it offers to the audience. It therefore concludes that social media added value to the Nigerian political culture and facilitated other issues that might have aroused from the electoral process. Thus, social media has contributed positively and shall continue to contribute to our development as a country politically.

Keywords: Social Media, Political Development, Election