This article is published in AL-QALAM Journal of Languages and Literary Studies, Vol. 1, Issue 1, December 2025 (A Publication of the Department of English and Literature, Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria)
CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF
PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU’S PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURAL SPEECH
By
Galadima, Sani
Department of English and
Literature, Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria
&
Dr. Abdul Azeez Lawal
Department of English and French,
Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina, Katsina State, Nigeria
Corresponding Author’s Email and
Phone No: sanigaladima@fugusau.edu.ng
+2348063216720
Abstract
This paper provides an in-depth Critical
Discourse Analysis of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s inaugural speech delivered
on May 29, 2023, upon assuming office as the President of Nigeria through a
Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) framework. The aims of this study is to
conduct critical discourse analysis of Tinubu’s inaugural speech, focusing on
his use of language to construct political identity, frame national issues, and
appeal to public sentiment. The speech selected for analysis is President Bola
Ahmed Tinubu’s inaugural address delivered on May 29, 2023. This speech,
available in both audio and text format, is analyses using a qualitative,
text-based approach Relaying on the qualitative methodology, the paper unpacks
the linguistic choices, rhetorical strategies, and ideological underpinnings of
the speech, examining how it constructs political authority, frames national
issues, and engages with the Nigerian populace. Van Dijk (2003) Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) theoretical
framework is used for the analysis of speeches obtained from research data. The analysis demonstrates how Tinubu uses inclusive
language, strategic framing, and ideological positioning in his leadership and
mobilizes support for his administration. One of the findings is that strong
modality not only emphasizes the president’s determination but also serves to
rally the public around his agenda, implying that the future is within their
control if they act together under his leadership.
Key Keywords Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), Presidential Inaugural Speech, Political Rhetoric, Language and Power, and Modality.
Introduction
Inaugural speeches are crucial in shaping the political discourse of a new
administration. They serve as both a ceremonial and strategic functions,
offering a first glimpse of a leader's political vision, priorities, and
leadership style. For President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his inaugural speech of May
29, 2023, came at a critical juncture for Nigeria—a country grappling with
economic instability, security challenges, and political fragmentation.
Analyzing this speech provides insight into the political rhetoric of the newly
elected president and his strategies for addressing national issues. This paper
employs a Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) approach to examine how Tinubu uses
language to construct a vision for Nigeria and legitimize his political
authority.
The paper set to analyze the metaphors used by Tinubu to symbolize
national progress, renewal, and transformation. Specifically, the paper
explores the metaphor of the "journey" and how it reflects the
president’s vision of Nigeria's future. The analysis examines how metaphors
function as persuasive tools in political discourse.
The primary aim of this study is to of conduct discourse analysis of
Tinubu’s inaugural speech, focusing on his use of language to construct
political identity, frame national issues, and appeal to public sentiment. By
analyzing the speech through the theoretical lens of CDA, this paper
demonstrates how language functions as a tool for constructing power relations,
shaping national narratives, and positioning the president within the political
landscape.
By analyzing the ideological underpinnings of the speech, particularly in
terms of neoliberal economic reforms, this paper seeks to uncover how President
Tinubu’s speech reflects broader ideological trends in Nigerian politics and
global economic policies. The paper is to understand how these ideologies are
embedding in the language used in the speech to influence the national
discourse.
The paper examines how Tinubu frames critical national issues (such as
insecurity, economic instability, and national unity) in ways that mobilize
public support and call for collective action. By investigating the strategic
framing of these issues, the study will highlight how the president seeks to
align the public with his vision for Nigeria’s future.
Objectives of the research are as follows:
- To Analyse the Linguistic and Rhetorical Strategies Used in Tinubu's
Inaugural Speech
This objective aims to
explore the specific linguistic tools (e.g., framing, modality, metaphor) and
rhetorical strategies employed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his inaugural
speech. By dissecting these elements, the paper seeks to demonstrate how they
contribute to the construction of a coherent political narrative and influence
public perception.
- To Examine How Language Constructs Political Identity and Legitimacy
The article aims to
understand how Tinubu uses language to position himself as a legitimate
political authority. This includes analyzing how he constructs his political
identity, both as a representative of the Nigerian people and as a decisive
leader capable of addressing the country’s challenges.
- To Analyze the Use of Inclusive Language as a Tool for Unifying the
Nation
The objective here is to
explore the role of inclusive language (e.g., "we," "our,"
"together") in constructing a narrative of national unity and shared
responsibility. The paper analyses how Tinubu’s rhetorical choices serve to
bring together various segments of Nigerian society and promote a sense of
collective ownership of the country’s challenges and solutions.
- To Assess the Speech's Reflection of Contemporary Nigerian Political
and Socioeconomic Context
In this objective, the
article contextualizes Tinubu's inaugural speech within the socio-political
realities of Nigeria, considering issues such as economic instability,
corruption, security challenges, and ethnic divisions. The paper analyses how
these issues are represented and addressed in the speech, and how the
president’s discourse aligns with the current political climate.
Review of Related
Literature
It is paramount to know it is not easy to
precisely delimit the special principles, aims, theories or methods of CDA (Van
Dijk, 2003). Yet any research work, which claims to be of the CDA paradigm,
should be characterized by some basic criteria, originally defined by Kress
(1990), are taken further by Fairclough & Wodak (1997) who establish some
basic principles of CDA programme. Critical research on discourse, Van Dijk
(2003) argues needs to satisfy a number of requirements in order to effectively
realize its aims.
Theoretical Framework: Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA)
Discourse anlysis, and specifically CDA, provides a powerful
methodological approach for examining the relationship between language, power,
and society. Rooted in the work of scholars such as Norman Fairclough (1995),
Teun A. van Dijk (1993), and Ruth Wodak (2001), CDA seeks to uncover the hidden
ideological functions of discourse. It is particularly concerned with how
language constructs social reality, reproduces power structures, and reflects
the interests of dominant groups (Fairclough, 2001).
One of the core tenets of CDA is that discourse is not neutral; it shaped
by and helps to shape social structures and power relations. In political
discourse, this means that language plays a central role in legitimizing
authority, constructing collective identities, and framing public issues in
ways that align with political agendas (Van Dijk, 1993). For the purposes of
this study, CDA is employs to analyze the inaugural speech as a site where
political power is negotiated, ideologies are articulated, and social meanings
are constructed.
Key concepts from CDA, such as framing, modality, and metaphors are used
to explore how President Tinubu's speech seeks to position him as a leader
capable of addressing Nigeria’s challenges. In particular, the paper draws on
van Leeuwen’s (2008) notions of "social actors" and the linguistic
construction of authority to analyze how the president frames himself and
others in the speech. Additionally, the study incorporates critical
perspectives on neoliberal economic policies, as Tinubu’s references to economic
reform and market-driven growth suggest an ideological commitment to
neoliberalism (Harvey, 2005).
Methodology
The speech selected for analysis is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s inaugural
address delivered on May 29, 2023. This speech, available in both audio and
text format, is analyses using a qualitative, text-based approach. The focus is
on identifying linguistic features, rhetorical strategies, and ideological
positions that emerge in the speech. Key features examined include:
- Framing: The way national
issues and challenges are presented to the public.
- Modality: The use of modal
verbs to express certainty, obligation, or necessity.
- Metaphor: The use of
metaphors to frame national aspirations and challenges.
- Inclusion/Exclusion: The use
of inclusive language (e.g., "we," "our") versus
exclusive language (e.g., “they,” “the others”).
- Rhetorical Appeals: How the
speech appeals to ethos (credibility), pathos (emotion), and logos
(reason).
- Intertextuality: How the speech
aligns with or departs from traditional political discourse in Nigeria.
Each of these linguistic features is analyses to uncover the underlying
ideological messages that are embedded in the speech.
Detailed Discourse Analysis
1. Framing National Issues
President Tinubu’s inaugural speech is rich in framing strategies. The
opening sections of the speech are dedicated to identifying the key challenges
facing Nigeria, such as economic hardship, unemployment, insecurity, and social
inequality. Framing is a central rhetorical technique used to shape how the
audience perceives these issues and the potential solutions. According to
Goffman (1974), framing refers to the way issues are constructed to promote
certain interpretations and actions.
Tinubu's framing strategy is evident in his reference to Nigeria’s
challenges as "a crisis" that requires immediate and collective
action. He states:
“We are at a crossroads—our economy is in peril, our youth are
disillusioned, and our security is threatened. But we will rise above this
challenge because we are one people, and we are determined to change our
future.”
Here, the speech frames the crisis not only as a national issue but as a
collective problem that requires a unified response. The invocation of
"we" positions the entire nation as responsible for addressing the
crisis, which aligns with Van Leeuwen's (2008) concept of "inclusive
we," emphasizing unity.
Moreover, the framing of the future as a "new beginning" is
another critical element. The speech frames the future of Nigeria as one of
potential and hope, despite the present difficulties. This framing helps to
construct a narrative of resilience and national pride.
2. The Rhetoric of Unity and Nationalism
Another important framing strategy is the appeal to national unity.
President Tinubu frequently employs inclusive pronouns such as "we"
and "our" throughout his speech. This not only fosters a sense of
collective responsibility but also seeks to unite the Nigerian populace under a
common purpose. For example, he declares:
“We are united in our diversity; together, we shall build a stronger and
more prosperous Nigeria.”
This statement is a typical example of political discourse aimed at
promoting national cohesion, especially in a country like Nigeria, where
ethnic, religious, and political divisions are often highlighted in public
discourse. Tinubu’s rhetoric of unity functions as a tool for bridging these
divides, presenting them as secondary to the larger national project.
Additionally, the emphasis on Nigerian sovereignty and pride plays a
crucial role in constructing a nationalist narrative. The frequent references
to Nigeria’s potential, resilience, and historical importance bolster the
president's positioning as a patriot and a leader who will restore Nigeria to
its rightful place in the global arena.
3. Modality and Leadership
Modality, or the use of modal verbs, plays a significant role in conveying
Tinubu's leadership style. Modal verbs such as "must,"
"will," and "shall" are employed to assert authority and
convey urgency. For example, the speech includes the statement:
“We must act now to secure the future of our children. We will not allow
Nigeria’s potential to be wasted.”
The use of "must" here reflects the imperative nature of the
challenges facing Nigeria, suggesting that there is no alternative but to take
decisive action. Similarly, "will" conveys confidence in the future,
asserting that the president has both the vision and the willpower to tackle
the country’s issues.
The strong modality not only emphasizes the president’s determination but
also serves to rally the public around his agenda, implying that the future is
within their control if they act together under his leadership.
4. Metaphors of Renewal and Transformation
President Tinubu employs metaphors of renewal and transformation
throughout the speech. The most notable is the metaphor of a
"journey," often used to symbolize national progress. For example, he
states:
“The journey to a new Nigeria begins today, with each of us taking the
first step together.”
The metaphor of a journey is a powerful tool in political rhetoric because
it invokes ideas of movement, progress, and transformation. It suggests that
the path ahead will require effort and perseverance but that the destination is
worth the struggle. This metaphor also implies a collective effort, reinforcing
the inclusive language of the speech.
5. Ideological Underpinnings: Neoliberalism and Economic Reform
Tinubu's speech also reflects neoliberal economic ideals, particularly in
his references to economic growth, privatization, and market reforms. He speaks
of "creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive" and
emphasizes the need for "sustained private sector participation."
These references suggest that the president's economic agenda will align with
market-driven policies, such as reducing state control over certain sectors,
encouraging foreign investment, and promoting privatization. This aligns with
global neoliberal trends, which prioritize deregulation and free-market
principles (Harvey, 2005).
However, while these policies are presented as solutions to Nigeria’s
economic challenges, it is important to recognize that they may also reflect
the interests of the global capitalist system and external actors (e.g.,
multinational corporations, foreign governments). This ideological stance is
consistent with the broader neoliberal framework, which often emphasizes market
efficiency at the expense of social welfare policies.
6. Social Actors and Authority
Van Leeuwen’s (2008) concept of "social actors" is crucial for
understanding how President Tinubu constructs his political identity and
authority. The president is frames as both the leader and the servant of the
Nigerian people. He frequently refers to himself as "your servant" or
"your president," positioning himself as a humble figure, yet one
with the mandate and authority to lead the nation forward. This dual
construction of authority allows him to present himself as both a
representative of the people and a decisive leader who must make tough decision
Conclusion
In conclusion, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s inaugural speech utilises various
linguistic strategies to construct a vision of national renewal, emphasise the
urgency of political and economic reform, and assert his legitimacy as a
leader. Through framing, modality, metaphor, and inclusive language, Tinubu
creates a narrative of hope, unity, and collective responsibility. The speech
is both a call to action and a tool for consolidating political authority,
reflecting the president’s ideological commitment to neoliberal economic
reforms and market-driven growth. By employing critical discourse analysis,
this paper has demonstrated how language is used as a tool for shaping public
perception, constructing political identities, and reinforcing the power
structures that underpin the Nigerian state.
References
Fairclough, N. (1995). Critical
Discourse Analysis: The critical Study of Language. Longman. London
Fairclough, N. (2001). Language and Power (2nd ed.). Pearson Education.
London
Goffman, E. (1974). Frame Analysis: An Essay on the Organization of Experience. Northeastern University Press. London.
Harvey, D. (2005). A Brief History of Neoliberalism. Oxford University Press. Oxford.
Lakoff, G., & Johnson, M. (1980). Metaphors We Live By.
University of Chicago Press Chicago.
Van Dijk, T. A. (1993). Principles of Critical Discourse Analysis.
Discourse & Society, 4(2), 249-283. Maiden, MA: Blackwell
Van Leeuwen, T. (2008). Discourse and Practice: New Tools for Critical Discourse Analysis. Oxford University Press: Oxford
Wodak, R. (2001). What Critical Discourse Analysis is all about-a summary of its history, important concepts and its developments. In R. Wodak & M. Meyer (eds), Methods of Critical Discourse Analysis. London: Sage.
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