Xspace and social movement in Nigeria: A study of the 2024 #endbadgovernance protest

Social movements in Nigeria have highlighted the growing role of social media platforms in mobilizing citizens for collective action. This study investigates how Xspace facilitated communication and mobilization during the 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests, examining its influence on user engagement, the framing of protest narratives, and the translation of online activities into offline action. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining semi-structured interviews with three Xspace event organizers and content analysis of discussions on four Xspace events. The interviews revealed in-depth understandings of the platform's role, while content analysis highlighted key themes such as corruption, economic hardship, and youth activism, along with narratives of reform, unity, and empowerment. Findings indicate that Xspace played a pivotal role in mobilizing support for the protests, amplifying marginalized voices, and increasing participation. The study also identified challenges, including disparities between online and offline engagement, network disruptions, and divisive behaviour. Findings highlight the importance of understanding the potential and limitations of social media in shaping collective action. Recommendations include, enhancing online-offline coordination to bridge participation gaps, improving the accessibility and security of digital platforms for marginalized groups, and fostering positive and inclusive online discourse to avoid divisive behaviour. Key Words: Xspace, Social Movement, Protest Mobilization, Youth Activism, Digital Engagement. About the Author * Deborah Ahuoiza Enesi is a communications scholar and researcher in the Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria. Her research interests include youth-led activism, misinformation, disinformation, media and governance, and the evolving role of digital spaces in shaping democratic participation in the Global South. JCMR Journal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 17, No. 2, October 2025, pp. 113-124 © Association of Media and Communication Researchers of Nigeria (AMCRON). Article Citation Enesi, D. A. (2025). Xspace and social movement in Nigeria: A study of the 2024 #endbadgovernance protest. Journal of Communication and Media Research, 17 (2): 113-124. Full Article Words: 7,166 Pages: 12 To access full article, click on download.