Discursive strategies of power in selected speeches of former Nigerian presidents
Abstract
Previous studies on pronouns have largely focused on their grammatical functions as substitutes for nouns, noun phrases, or other pronouns, with limited attention given to their ideological and power-related functions in political discourse. This study addresses this gap by examining how pronouns are strategically deployed in political speeches to construct, negotiate, and reflect power relations. Specifically, the study investigates the types of pronouns used in selected political speeches and analyses how these pronoun choices reveal underlying power dynamics and ideological positions. The study adopts Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), drawing on Fairclough’s (1989) framework, to analyse four political speeches delivered by two Nigerian Heads of State — one military and one civilian — during their respective administrations. Through a qualitative analysis of the speeches, the study identifies the recurrent use of personal pronouns such as I , we , you , and they as discursive resources for legitimizing authority, creating solidarity, assigning responsibility, and establishing distinctions between leaders, followers, and perceived opponents. The findings reveal that pronouns function beyond their traditional grammatical roles; they serve as powerful linguistic tools for constructing political identities, reinforcing ideological positions, and negotiating power relations between political actors and their audiences. The analysis further demonstrates that military and civilian leaders employ pronouns differently in line with their leadership styles and political objectives. The study contributes to knowledge by extending the understanding of pronouns from a purely grammatical category to a significant discourse-pragmatic resource in political communication. It also enriches Critical Discourse Analysis scholarship by providing empirical evidence on the role of pronoun choice in the construction and maintenance of power relations within the Nigerian political context.