THE IMPACT OF SOCIO-HISTORICAL CONTEXTS ON POLITICAL DISCOURSE: A READING OF SELECTED SPEECHES OF NNAMDI KANU AND SUNDAY IGBOHO

Abstract

This study examines selected speeches by Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Igboho, focusing on how socio-historical contexts influence their rhetorical and discursive strategies. The aim is to reveal how the socio-historical challenges faced by Kanu, who represents the Igbo ethnic group, and Igboho, who represents the Yoruba ethnic group, shape their communicative approaches. The study adopts a qualitative research method, utilizing descriptive and textual analysis to examine selected speeches of the activists. It considers not only how historical narratives influence their choice of language, but also how such narratives shape the audience's perception. A purposive sampling technique was employed for data collection. Using Wodak’s model of Critical Discourse Analysis as the theoretical framework, the findings reveal that historical memories significantly influence contemporary political discourse in Nigeria. The study further shows that emotive language and historical references enable the activists to connect with their audience, who readily accept their ideologies. The study concludes that socio-historical contexts play a crucial role in both the activists’ linguistic choices and the audience’s engagement. It therefore recommends that Nigerian activists should focus their speeches on educating the public. Historical and sociopolitical narratives should be positively framed to inform and raise awareness, rather than being used to incite negative sentiments such as hatred toward other ethnic groups or the government, which may lead to ethnic conflict.