Mr Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Shettima have been sworn into office, as President and Vice President, two months after being declared winners of the keenly contested February 25 presidential election.
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| Image: Bola Tinubu won February's election with 37% of the vote, a victory that is being challenged in court |
The Former Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu was sworn in as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, bringing to an end the eight-year administration of Muhammadu Buhari.
Quick Facts
- Tinubu takes over from Muhammadu Buhari
- He is the fifth President of Nigeria's Fourth Republic
- He is a former governor of Lagos State
- He served as Lagos West senator between 1992 and 1993
- He married Senator Oluremi Tinubu in 1987
- His VP, Kashim Shettima, is a former Borno State governor
Bola Tinubu inauguration: Nigeria swears in new president
Bola Tinubu won February's election with 37% of the vote, a victory that is being challenged in court.
The next president of Africa's largest democracy, Nigeria, has been sworn in at a ceremony in the capital, Abuja.
Bola Tinubu, 71, won February's election with a promise to renew hope - but he faces tough economic and security challenges.
He takes over from two-term President Muhammadu Buhari amid a high inflation rate, record debt levels and increasing cases of kidnap-for-ransom.
Mr Tinubu's victory is being challenged in court by his two closest rivals.
They say the outcome was manipulated.
But the outgoing president, who did not run in the election after eight years in power, said the results were "credible" and the vote was "fair and transparent".
Dignitaries from across the continent were at the swearing-in ceremony in the capital, Abuja, reflecting the significance of the event.
Mr Tinubu may have little time to celebrate. Nigerians expect swift action.
Inflation is running at its highest rate for nearly 18 years, one in three people are unemployed and the output of the vital oil industry is shrinking.
He will have to move quickly to convince people who did not vote for him that he is up to the task.
With 8,794,726 votes, Tinubu, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), beat his closest rival, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 6,984,520 votes, while Labour Party (LP) candidate Peter Obi, 61, came in third with 6,101,533 ballots.
Tinubu becomes the fifth democratically elected Nigerian President in the fourth Republic.
His predecessors are Muhammadu Buhari (2015-2023), Goodluck Jonathan (2010-2015), Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (2007-2010), and Olusegun Obasanjo (1999-2007).
As Tinubu and his vice president, Kashim Shettima, take their place in the history books.
Here are the highlights of the event:
11:05: Buhari departs Eagle Square after handing over to Tinubu
10:37 am: Tinubu now sworn in as Nigeria’s president
09:47 am: Bola Tinubu arrives at Eagles Square for his inauguration.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola administered the oath of office to Bola Tinubu and his deputy, Kashim Shettima at exactly 10:28 am and 10:38 am respectively.
09:29 am: Kashim Shettima has arrived at Eagle Square to be inaugurated as the nation’s new vice president.
09:25 am: Chief Justice Olukayode Ariwoola arrives at Eagle Square for the inauguration.
09:17 am: Former president Goodluck Jonathan is also at Eagle Square for the presidential inauguration.
08:47 am: The military is on the ground at the inauguration ceremony.
08:40 am: Dangote, Otedola, Others Arrive at Eagle Square
Aliko Dangote, Jim Ovia, Lai Mohammed, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, Festus Keyamo, Akinwumi Adesina, Femi Otedola, Abdul Samad Rabiu, traditional rulers, and other dignitaries are already at Eagle Square.
08:23 am: Tinubu is expected to announce his cabinet within 60 days, according to a lawmaker James Faleke who spoke with Channels Television at Eagle Square.
08: 20 am: Channels Television’s correspondent Kayla Megwa reports that there is tight security, as expected, at Eagle Square.
Only those invited have access to the venue as guests trickle in for the ceremony.
08:11 am: Federal lawmakers, world leaders, and other invited guests are also expected.
08:07 am: Sanwo-Olu thanks Buhari, Wishes Him Well
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State is wishing outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari well and thanks him for leading the country in the last eight years.
“I wish you well as you formally handover the mantle of leadership to the President-elect, today Monday, 29th,” he tweeted on Monday.
“To the good people of Lagos, I dedicate this honour to you, for your support and acceptance. You all have given me the opportunity to serve you again. I promise to continue to serve diligently and conscientiously.”
07:30 am: Dignitaries, members of the diplomatic corps, security agencies, leading members of the APC, and party faithful arrive at the venue of the event.
