Speech Acts and Political Commitment: An Analysis of APC Presidential Nomination Acceptance speech of Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu

Abstract

An acceptance speech is one of the political speeches being delivered by political aspirants across the world. This paper investigates and identifies the speech act features of the nomination acceptance speech of a notable Nigeria politician, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The theoretical framework of Speech Act Theory of Austin and modified by Searle was adopted for its analysis. The analysis specifically focuses on the illocutionary acts that were used in the speech. These illocutionary acts are: assertives, directives, commissives, expressives and declaratives. The findings reveal that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu uses illocutionary acts: expressives (33.3%), assertives (13.3%), commissives (36.7%), directives (16.7%) and declaratives (0%). He uses the nomination acceptance speech to inform, thank, promise, request, state, assure, persuade and reflect on the present political challenges ahead his party, the All Progressive Congress in the 2023 Presidential election. It was further revealed from the illocutionary acts in the speech that Senator Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the development of the nation cannot be overemphasised. Those identified speech acts further foster his political interest and commitment to the affairs and welfares of Nigerians. The work adds to the knowledge of speech act analysis and provides insights into the relevance of political commitment by politicians in Nigeria.