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Article published In: Journal of Language and Politics
Vol. 17:1 (2018) ► pp.92–117

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Political campaign and democratisation

Interrogating the use of hate speech in the 2011 and 2015 general elections in Nigeria

 | University of Nigeria Nsukka
 | University of Nigeria Nsukka
 | University of Nigeria Nsukka
 | University of Nigeria Nsukka
Published online: 16 October 2017
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https://doi.org/10.1075/jlp.16010.ike
Abstract
The use of hate speech for political mobilisation and its overall impact on democratisation have generated debate and controversy in both post-colonial formations and more advanced democracies. This is because hate speech tends to promote hatred between different ethnic groups. In Nigeria, it is usually deployed in the build up to elections. Using mixed methods approach, this study interrogates the consequences of hate speech as a political campaign strategy on electioneering and democratisation in Nigeria. The study argues that the use of hate speech in political campaign entrenches hatred and discriminatory voting pattern among citizens. It grossly affects democratisation, the quality of party programmes and candidates chosen by voters. Despite its appeal to extreme right populism based on ethnic voting and other forms of exclusionary politics, the use of hate speech as a political campaign strategy neither promotes the principles of majoritarian democracy nor protects minority rights.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Conceptualising hate speech and its dimensions
  • 3.The study context and methods
  • 4.Understanding political campaign and democratic values in Nigeria
  • 5.Hate speech and democratisation in Nigeria
  • 6.Concluding remarks
  • Acknowledgements
  • Notes
  • References
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