LEXICALISATION OF THE ENDBADGOVERNANCE PROTEST# IN SELECTED NIGERIAN NEWSPAPERS

Abstract

This study investigates the Lexicalisation of the #EndBadGovernance protest in selected Nigerian newspapers, focusing on how specific word choices shaped public perception and representation of the protests. The importance of this research lies in its exploration of the intersection between language and political discourse, particularly in a context marked by socio-economic challenges and governance failures. The primary objectives include identifying the lexical terms used in reporting the protests, analyzing their implications for public perception, and examining the ideological meanings embedded within these choices. Employing a qualitative methodology, the research utilizes textual, content, and descriptive analysis of headlines from ten national newspapers. The findings reveal that media outlets strategically employed lexical framing to portray the protests either as legitimate civic resistance or as threats to national stability. This study contributes to the fields of media studies, discourse analysis, and political communication by highlighting the role of language in shaping public memory and national discourse, ultimately demonstrating how lexical choices can influence the legitimacy of dissent and collective identity.