Reconstructing female political discourse in Nigeria

A critical rhetorical study of Oby Ezekwesili’s political speeches

Datos Bibliográficos

ID6030705
AutoresOluwayemisi Olusola Adebomi (0000-0003-1636-5488, University of Bonn, autor de correspondencia)
Año2025
Páginas1-26
Fecha de publicación2025-10-28
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaAfrican Identities (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1472-5843 • E-ISSN: 1472-5851
EditorialInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/14725843.2025.2579878
OpenAlexW4415622713
IdiomaEN
Referencias 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