ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE IN AFRICA: IMPLICATIONS FOR CIVIC EDUCATION AND POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

AI has increasingly become part of governance. Government, political actors and citizens all communicate, access information and participate in public affairs. While AI offers opportunities to improve access to civic information, political engagement and public communication, AI also raises concerns about misinformation, political manipulation and unequal access and other growing issues. This study examines the influence of AI on democratic governance in Nigeria and Africa at large. The study adopts a desk-based qualitative research design, drawing on relevant academic literature, policy documents, institutional reports and other secondary sources to analyse the relationship between the emerging trend of AI, democratic governance and citizens participation. The analysis shows that AI can support civic learning by making political information more accessible and easier to understand, while also creating new opportunities for political awareness, mobilisation and electoral engagement. The study also revealed that the democratic value of AI depends on the institutions, regulations and citizens' competencies that shape its use. The study also recommends stronger civic, digital and AI literacy, greater transparency and human oversight, protection of electoral information integrity, improved digital inclusion and a more inclusive approach to governance. The study further concludes that Nigeria need to pursue a humancentred approach in which AI complements citizens' political judgement and democratic institutions.