DISCURSIVE STRATEGIES OF POSITIVE SELF-PRESENTATION AND NEGATIVE OTHER- PRESENTATION IN THE SELECTED SPEECHES OF NNAMDI KANU AND SUNDAY IGBOHO

Abstract

This study explores the discursive construction of positive self-presentation and negative other-presentation in the political speeches of Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Igboho, with the aim to understanding how language is deployed to construct collective identity and resistance. Anchored on Critical Discourse Analysis of van Dijk’s (2006) socio-cognitive framework, the research investigates how both activists linguistically differentiate between the in-group and the out-group, thereby reinforcing ethnic consciousness and political mobilization. Adopting a qualitative research design, the study consists of purposively selected speeches based on their thematic relevance to identity construction. The analysis dwells on how linguistic and rhetorical features such as inclusive pronouns, and framing are used to foster in-group cohesion. Findings show that the activists consistently use the ideological square of positive self-presentation and negative other-presentation to create a polarized worldview that legitimizes their resistance agendas. They draw on shared historical experiences and collective grievances to solidify solidarity among their ethnic groups that form their teeming audiences. The study argues that othering and solidarity-building are not merely linguistic acts but powerful socio-political tools that shape perception, reinforce group boundaries, and sustain resistance movements. The study concludes that in-group and out-group solidarity are powerful discursive instruments that goes beyond mere linguistic choices to shape perception, influence cognition, and sustain socio-political movements. The study contributes to current scholarly readings on discourse and identity construction in multilingual and politically complex societies like Nigeria. It provides insight into how political actors including activists manipulate language to build ideological divisions in Nigeria’s socio-political context.