An Examination of Semantic Shifts in Nigerian Political Rhetoric: A Study of Electoral Campaign Speeches
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Background of the study
Electoral campaign speeches are pivotal in shaping political narratives, and semantic shifts within these speeches reflect evolving political ideologies and public sentiments. This study examines semantic shifts in Nigerian political rhetoric by analyzing electoral campaign speeches. It investigates how key political terms and metaphors undergo changes in meaning over time, influenced by shifting social, economic, and cultural contexts (Adewale, 2023). By employing discourse and corpus analysis methods, the research identifies semantic layers and traces the evolution of lexical choices that define political messaging. The study considers the role of media and public debates in accelerating these shifts, highlighting how language not only reflects but also constructs political reality. The findings will provide insights into the mechanisms of semantic change, contributing to theories of political communication and offering guidance for political strategists on effective message framing (Oluwaseun, 2024; Amaka, 2025).
Statement of the problem
Although electoral campaign speeches are central to political communication, there is a dearth of research on the semantic shifts that occur within Nigerian political rhetoric. The evolving meaning of political terms may lead to ambiguity and misinterpretation, affecting voter perception and accountability. This research gap hinders our understanding of how semantic change influences political discourse and undermines efforts to develop coherent and transparent political messaging (Adewale, 2023).
Objectives of the study:
1. To document semantic shifts in electoral campaign speeches.
2. To analyze the factors driving these shifts.
3. To propose strategies for clearer political communication.
Research questions:
1. What semantic changes occur in political speeches over time?
2. What factors influence these shifts?
3. How do these changes impact voter perception?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it provides an in-depth examination of semantic shifts in Nigerian political rhetoric, offering valuable insights for political analysts and communication experts to enhance clarity and accountability in electoral messaging (Amaka, 2025).
Scope and limitations of the study:
The study focuses exclusively on electoral campaign speeches in Nigerian political discourse and does not extend to other political texts.
Definitions of terms:
1. Semantic Shifts: Changes in word meanings over time.
2. Political Rhetoric: Language used to influence political opinion.
3. Electoral Campaign Speeches: Public addresses delivered by political candidates during campaigns.
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