IDENTITY CONSTRUCTION STRATEGIES IN BOLA AHMED TINUBU’S PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN SPEECHES

This study examines the identity construction in Bola Tinubu’s political campaign speeches, exploring the theoretical context of the speeches, types of identity construction, and pragmatic implications of these strategies. The speeches, delivered during campaigning for the post of President during the Nigerian presidential election, were sourced from Premium Times and other online channels, providing valuable insights into the language used by Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a tool for identity construction. The research employs identity theory as a theoretical framework to investigate the language used by Tinubu to construct his identity in his campaign speeches. The findings reveal specific strategies employed by Tinubu to construct his identity, including emphasis on personal identity, promotion of his vision for the future, and alignment with key social issues, all contributing to shaping his public image and influencing voters' perceptions of his suitability as a political leader. The study also highlights the pragmatic implications of President Tinubu’s identity construction strategies, shedding light on the role of language and communication in political discourse and the construction of political identity. The study concludes by providing valuable insights into the strategic use of language in political communication and its impact on the construction of political identity