Textual Analysis of Political Othering in Select Nigerian Newspapers during the 2023 Elections Campaigns

Background: Political othering plays a significant role in shaping public discourse during elections, often reinforcing divisions along religious, ethnic, and economic lines. The 2023 Nigerian Presidential election coverage by prominent newspapers like Punch and Vanguard amplified these narratives, particularly focusing on religious and ethnic polarisation, as well as economic disparities. Objective: This study aimed to explore how Punch and Vanguard newspapers framed political othering in their coverage of the 2023 Nigerian Presidential election, particularly examining the religious, ethnic, and economic narratives and their impact on public discourse. Method: A textual analysis was conducted on 184 editions of Punch and Vanguard newspapers, published between 1st November 2022 and 31st January 2023. Thirteen stories specifically relating to political othering were selected for in-depth analysis. The study explored how the newspapers presented religious, ethnic, and economic narratives during this period. Results: The findings revealed distinct framing patterns in the two newspapers. Punch framed the Muslim-Muslim political ticket as a threat to Nigeria’s religious diversity, intensifying concerns about marginalisation among Christian voters. Vanguard, on the other hand, emphasised Christian mobilisation in response to perceived Muslim dominance, exacerbating religious tensions. Ethnic identities were frequently highlighted through discussions of regional grievances, and economic issues were framed using populist rhetoric, further contributing to the polarisation of the electorate. Conclusion: The study concluded that media framing of religious, ethnic, and economic narratives significantly influenced public discourse and electoral outcomes during the 2023 Presidential election. By amplifying divisions along these lines, the newspapers reinforced existing societal fractures, which shaped voter perceptions and behaviour. Unique Contribution: This research provides critical insights into how media framing can deepen socio-political divisions, especially during high-stakes elections. The findings underscore the need for media professionals to adopt more balanced reporting strategies to reduce the negative impact of political othering. Key Recommendation: The study recommends balanced and responsible reporting by media outlets, the promotion of media literacy among the public, and collaborative efforts between the media, civil society, and political parties. These measures are essential to mitigate the effects of divisive narratives and foster greater national unity, especially during elections.