AFRICAN SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL JOURNAL

STYLO-DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL MEDIA STANCE-TAKING IN THE FUBARA–WIKE POLITICAL CONFLICT IN RIVERS STATE

CYRUS, SMART EZIWHO, FREEMAN KORKARA KOBO

March 9, 2026

Citation

AFRICAN SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL JOURNAL , Vol. 15 (1) (2026) , pp. 24-31

Details

ISSN: 978-37889
Published: March 9, 2026
Status: Published

Abstract

This study investigates how supporters of Nyesom Wike and Siminalayi Fubara employ stylistic and discourse strategies to construct political stances on social media platforms such as Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Using a stylo-discourse approach combined with Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and Roman Jakobson’s Communication Function Theory, the study examines lexical choices, pronouns, modality, metaphors, and discourse markers to uncover underlying ideological positions, identity construction, and persuasive strategies. Findings reveal that supporters use evaluative language to legitimize their preferred candidate, pronoun polarization to signal in-group and out-group alignment, and high-modality and metaphorical intensification to dramatize political conflict and mobilize audiences. These strategies demonstrate that social media is a performative arena of ideological contestation. The study recommends that political actors and campaign strategists engage social media mindfully, employing persuasive yet ethical discourse to shape public perception responsibly.

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