A Comparative Sociolinguistic Analysis of Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Tinubu’s Inaugural Speeches

Abstract

In this study, two Nigerian Presidents (Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu) gave their inaugural addresses in office and the speeches are compared and contrasted. Muhammadu Buhari was Nigerian president, 2015 to 2023 and Bola Tinubu became the president in 2023. The Nigerian Constitution states four years per term up to the maximum of two terms. The study seeks to offer insightful information on their leadership priorities and discourse patterning through an analysis of linguistic elements, discourse structures, rhetorical devices, themes, and power dynamics. The results illustrate their shared emphasis on national unity, good governance, and development across numerous areas while also emphasizing disparities in their approaches. Both leaders declare their dedication to global participation, with Buhari highlighting Nigeria's position in Africa and Tinubu highlighting inter-regional collaboration. The study aims at comparing the two speeches by bringing out the linguistic patterns and the sociocultural elements influencing the language and the use. Data were collected from the speeches presented by the two presidents at their inauguration days. However, to fully assess their leadership effectiveness or otherwise, more investigation is required so as to broaden the analysis with a view to encompassing a wider spectrum of statements and deeds.