As Nigeria prepares to witness the historic inauguration of Bola Tinubu as its 16th president, several African presidents and foreign dignitaries have arrived in the country to participate in the momentous occasion.

The event, which is taking place at Eagle Square in Abuja, has prompted restricted movements in the vicinity until Tuesday.
Reports from local media indicate that approximately 20 African leaders are expected to attend the inauguration in Abuja, underscoring the significance of this transition of power in the continent’s most populous nation.

Among the distinguished guests who have already arrived in Nigeria are President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, all of whom made their way to Abuja on Sunday.

Also present in the Nigerian capital 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.

Additional dignitaries in attendance include President Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, Transitional President Mahamat Déby of Chad, President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger Republic, and President Nana Akufo-Ado of Ghana.

Representing President William Ruto of Kenya, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has also arrived in Abuja as part of a high-level delegation.

In a show of international interest, a nine-member delegation from the United States and Chinese officials, led by a senior member of the Communist Party, have also arrived to witness the momentous event.

However, amidst the excitement surrounding Tinubu’s electoral victory, opposition rivals have raised challenges against the legitimacy of his win.