At Least 65 World Leaders Invited To President-Elect Tinubu’s Swearing In Ceremony: Federal Government

President-elect Bola Tinubu is all set to be sworn in on May 29, for which the federal government has invited more than 65 world leaders.

"We have 54 countries in Africa and most of them have been invited to the inauguration; so, we don't expect less than 65 world leaders from Africa, Europe, and America at the event," an official told Punch on Thursday.

According to the official, representatives of several countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, China, Germany, Finland, Jamaica, Japan, Israel, and Turkey will also attend the event.

While the inauguration ceremony of the president-elect will take place on May 29, the programs related to the ceremony will start from May 23 onwards.

Regimental Dinner will be held on May 23 in honor of the Commander in Chief at Armed Forces Officers Mess, while on May 24, there will be a Valedictory Federal Executive Council Meeting held at Council Chambers, Presidential Villa.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha disclosed that the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic and Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger will be honored on May 25.

Moreover, the transition documents will be given to Tinubu and the vice-president-elect, Kashim Shettima on the same day.

The former president of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, will give a lecture, titled "Deepening Democracy for Integration and Development" on May 27, which will also be a part of inauguration programs. There will be a Children's Day Parade on the same day.

As for May 28, there will be an Inter-denominational Church Service at the National Christian Centre located in Abuja. The inauguration dinner will also take place on the same day.

"So far, invitations have been sent to Presidents and Heads of Government as well as Heads of international organizations," the SGF said. "We are also glad to report that many of these invitees have confirmed attendance in person."

When Mustapha was asked to name the officials attending the ceremony as guests on the big day, he said considering "what is happening globally" he cannot reveal the names. He added the information will be shared by the respective embassies.

He also addressed the ongoing court case against the president-elect, and said, "The inauguration would not be stopped pending the determination of the cases in court. This is not the first time we have had elections. In my political life, I have seen different transitions."

"From Shagari's period to Buhari, the inauguration went on despite court cases," he recalled. "In 2003, Buhari spent months at the tribunal up till the Supreme Court. He repeated the process three times. The only election that was not litigated was in 2015 when Jonathan conceded defeat."

The SGF concluded, "With or without litigation, the handover will be held on May 29. The Constitution and Electoral Act are clear on this."