A Transitivity Analysis of the Manifestos of Two Nigerian Presidential Candidates

Manifestos serve as a means for political leaders to execute their plans and to touch on an array of issues. This study examines the transitivity processes in the manifestos of two Nigerian presidential candidates. A content analysis approach is adopted in the study. The findings reveal that Peter Gregory Onwubuasi Obi uses more of the major process types (material, relational, and mental) than those of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The study has further established that Peter Gregory Onwubuasi employs the major process types to establish his inclination to liberate Nigeria, to show social solidarity with the citizens, and to call for good leadership. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, likewise, makes good use of the process types but more of the mental process as a trajectory for restoring systems, crusading for financial freedom, and establishing industries. With insight from transitivity, the study has provided a linguistic perspective on political discourse, demonstrating how linguistic choices in manifestos reflect the social and political intentions of political leaders.