Bola Tinubu to be Sworn in as Nigeria’s 16th President
Bola Tinubu, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), will be sworn in today as Nigeria’s 16th president since the country gained independence in 1960. He defeated 17 other candidates in the February presidential election, including his closest rival, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Tinubu will be succeeding President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, whose second four-year term lapses today.
Tinubu’s Background and Inauguration Details
Tinubu, 71, is an accountant by profession and served as governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007. He previously served as a senator in the short-lived Third Republic. The inauguration ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. and will be the 7th consecutive transition of power. The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, will administer the oath of office on Tinubu and his vice president-elect, Shettima. The event will be attended by foreign heads of state and government, as well as delegations from the US and the UK.
Challenges to Tinubu’s Election
Despite various moves to abort the inauguration through court cases and protests, the event is still holding. Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) are currently challenging the declaration of Tinubu as the winner of the February poll. The Presidential Election Petition Court has consolidated the three petitions. The transition council has assured the public that adequate arrangements have been made for the safety and security of those attending the ceremony.
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