African presidents and notable foreign dignitaries have gathered in Nigeria to witness the inauguration of Bola Tinubu as the 16th president of the continent’s most populous nation.
The preparations for this momentous occasion have prompted security measures, with restricted movements around Abuja’s Eagle Square, where the handover and inauguration parade will take place, until Tuesday.
Reports from local media indicate that approximately 20 African leaders are expected to grace the capital city, Abuja, with their presence.
Among the esteemed guests who arrived on Sunday were President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Cyril Ramaphosa from South Africa, and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
Joining the gathering in Abuja are President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo Brazzaville, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea Bissau, and President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone.
The attendance list further includes President Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, the transitional President of Chad Mahamat Déby, President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger Republic, and President Nana Akufo-Ado of Ghana, all present in Nigeria to witness this momentous event.
Representing President William Ruto of Kenya, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi will be among the distinguished guests.
In addition to the African delegates, a nine-member delegation from the United States and Chinese officials, led by a senior member of the Communist Party, have also arrived to mark this significant occasion.
However, Bola Tinubu’s electoral victory is not without its challenges, as opposition rivals have raised objections and filed an election petition.
Tomorrow, a tribunal will convene to commence the hearings on the main arguments presented in the petition, ensuring a fair and transparent resolution.
