Reconstructing female political discourse in Nigeria

A critical rhetorical study of Oby Ezekwesili’s political speeches

Dados Bibliográficos

ID6030705
AutoresOluwayemisi Olusola Adebomi (0000-0003-1636-5488, University of Bonn, autor correspondente)
Ano2025
Páginas1-26
Data de publicação2025-10-28
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoAfrican Identities (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1472-5843 • E-ISSN: 1472-5851
EditoraInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/14725843.2025.2579878
OpenAlexW4415622713
IdiomaEN
Referências citadas27

This paper undertakes a critical rhetorical analysis of the political speeches of Nigeria’s Oby Ezekwesili with the aim of investigating how different discursive practices are utilised for political persuasion. Data were analysed qualitatively using van Dijk ́s critical discourse analysis and Aristotle ́s rhetoric. The theoretical framework was complemented by Lancs Box, Sketch Engine and Voyant tools which were used for quantitative analysis/data visualization. The findings reveal that Ezekwesili utilises gender neutral lexical items, verbification, pronominalisation and quotes to substantiate her suitability as a viable presidential candidate, against the backdrop of sociopolitical realities. The study also shows that Ezekwesili utilises multilingualism, name-calling and statistics to negatively represent successive administrations thereby emphasising the need for the overhaul of male-dominated democracy in Nigeria. The study concludes that Ezekwesili deploys her political speeches not only for persuasive purposes but to present herself as a valid alternative in Nigeria’s largely patriarchal democracy

Critical discourse analysis · Discourse analysis · Narrative · Politics · Public discourse · Rhetorical question · African Education and Politics · Discourse Analysis in Language Studies · Diverse Research Studies Overview