IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES (IJELCS )

E-ISSN 2545-5702
P-ISSN 2695-2157
VOL. 10 NO. 3 2025
DOI: 10.56201/ijelcs.vol.10.no3.2025.pg9.20

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Language as a Tool of Manipulation in Nigerian Political Discourse

Abimbola F Abolarin-Egbebiola and Olayinka O Dada

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Abstract

Using Fairclough’s three-dimensional models of Critical Discourse Analysis, this work critically examines the inaugural speeches of Nigerian presidents; Muhammad Buhari (2015) and Bola Ahmed Tinubu (2023). The analysis investigates how political leaders use language to manipulate public perception and legitimize political power. The analysis reveals that both that both speeches employ manipulative language to strategically shape public opinion and push ideological agendas. Linguistic and rhetorical devices such as metaphors, hyperbole, emotional appeals and religious references are used beyond informative and inspirational purposes to manipulate audience reaction, downplay opposition and legitimize power. Occurring in a context of social and economic anxiety, the speeches demonstrate how manipulation operates as a political tool strengthened by carefully selected rhetorical choices.

keywords:

Language, Political discourse, Inaugural speeches, Manipulation, Critical Discourse

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