Speaking as the special guest of honour at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Independence Square in Accra, President Tinubu highlighted the enduring bond between the two nations and called for a shared commitment to regional progress.

“My dear brother, I am here to walk with you. You know you can count on Nigeria’s support at any given time. You call on me,” Tinubu said, addressing President Mahama.

“We are your brothers and sisters. We shall always be there for you. May your administration be a profound source of progress for you, Ghanaians, and the entire region.”

Strengthening Bonds for Shared Prosperity

President Tinubu expressed confidence in President Mahama’s leadership, emphasising that his administration would enhance Ghana-Nigeria relations and contribute to regional integration.

“I have no doubt that your administration will bring about positive change and progress,” Tinubu said. “Your accession to power marks a new and invigorating momentum in pursuing sub-regional integration and progress.”

He urged both countries to focus on addressing critical challenges such as poverty, youth unemployment, and instability, envisioning a brighter future for West Africa.

“With laser focus, we can tackle our people’s most pressing problems… May Ghana’s democracy continue to grow stronger. May progress and prosperity be your portion.”

A Celebration of African Democracy

The Nigerian leader hailed the inauguration as a testament to Africa’s democratic maturity, commending Ghana for another peaceful transition of power.

“This is a celebration of African democracy,” Tinubu declared.

“We have nothing to prove to anyone except ourselves. We will lift our nations out of poverty and build strong and resilient economies for our people.”

He described the occasion as a moment of pride for Ghana, Africa, and its diaspora, calling for unity across the continent.

“The sun is out, and the sky may be blue, but I see today a black star rising, rising high in the African sky. This black star shines over this nation and its rays spread across this continent with a sense of shared history, hope, compassion, unity, and devotion to our common wealth.”

A Call for Unity and Peace

President Tinubu reminded Africans of the importance of solidarity, dialogue, and mutual respect.

“That star reminds us always to strive and work together, bond together, even when we disagree,” he said.

“We must choose the path of peaceful dialogue. Never can we do harm to our brothers, nor can we permit any outsider to disrupt our bonds of brotherhood.”

Tinubu concluded his remarks with a hopeful outlook, urging both nations to work hand in hand for a future of opportunity and prosperity.

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Mr Tinubu’s chief of staff said the move was prompted by the president’s “concerns about the rising cost of travel expenses” by public officials.

The ban will take effect on 1 April.

President Tinubu and his administration have been criticised by some for their frequent visits abroad.

Since his inauguration in May, Mr Tinubu has made more than 15 foreign trips.

The Nigerian president is said to have spent at least 3.4bn naira ($2.2m; £1.8m) on domestic and foreign travel in the first six months of his presidency – 36% more than the budgeted amount for 2023, the Nigerian newspaper Punch reported in January, citing GovSpend, a civic tech platform that tracks government spending.

Mr Tinubu’s chief of staff Femi Gbajabiamila said the travel ban will cut costs amid Nigeria’s “current economic challenges and the need for responsible fiscal management”.

The West African country is grappling with one of its worst cost-of-living crises in decades, a situation that has led to widespread hardship and anger.

The three-month block on official travel by government officials is Mr Tinubu’s latest attempt at countering the public backlash.

In January, the Nigerian president announced a reduction in the size of the official travel delegation by about 60% , including cuts to his own travel entourage.

When the ban takes effect in April, government officials will only go on foreign trips “deemed absolutely necessary”. They will also require President Tinubu’s approval at least two weeks before they travel.

Mr Gbajabiamila added that the halt on travel will ensure that government officials “focus on their respective mandates for effective service delivery”.

Despite clamping down on travel by government officials, Mr Tinubu has not said whether he will reduce his own trips.

The president and his representatives have in the past defended his trips as being vital in addressing the economic problems he is accused of ignoring.

Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo is married to Mr Tinubu’s eldest daughter, Folashade.

This is the first time President Tinubu has selected a relative for a position in the federal government.

Announcing his appointment, the presidency said Mr Ojo had “over a decade of work experience in the housing and hospitality industries”.

He is also a former member of the House of Representatives.

But there has been a strong reaction on social media with some arguing that there were more qualified and deserving candidates than Mr Ojo.

“Blatant nepotism is a leadership weakness. It’s unfortunate Nigerian leaders don’t see it as a form of ethical failure,” one person posted on X.

Some have come out to defend the naming of Mr Ojo for the role, saying his relationship with the president should not bar him from government jobs.

His appointment was part of the president’s move to overhaul the management of the housing ministry.

The FHA, which falls under the ministry, is supposed to help deliver affordable homes across Nigeria.

The government did not immediately comment on the criticisms raised about the appointment.

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The discussion started when a journalist, Jaafar Jaafar, on Monday, criticized Seyi’s use of a presidential jet for non-official purposes, citing a similar instance when President Muhamadu Buhari’s daughter, Hanan, traveled in a presidential jet for a photo tour.

Sharing photos on his X (formerly Twitter), Jaafar wrote, “Here’s Tinubu’s golden child, Seyi, traveling in a presidential jet to watch polo in Kano. But this trend did not start today. Buhari set a bad example when he allowed his daughter, Hanan, to travel in a presidential jet for a photo tour in Bauchi. Even if our laws are vague on this, one thing is clear. This is an offense to the moral code of leadership.”

Reacting to the post, an X user HGBashar, said, “Buhari merely sought the title of ‘President’ without understanding or respecting the sanctity of the office. The audacity to let his daughter, Hanan, use a presidential jet for a mere photo tour in Bauchi was the beginning of this mockery.

“Now we see Tinubu’s protége, Seyi, hopping on the same jet for a polo match in Kano. It’s not just about the laws, it’s about ethics, morals, and respect for the position. Our leaders must do more than just occupy an office; they must uphold its dignity.”

Another user, belloinuwa, said, “What about the misuse of a special forces unit as his body guards? See them in the pictures. The other day he went skate boarding in Abuja with them running by his side. This is just a continuation of the culture of impunity from the previous government, perhaps on an even grander scale this time.” 

“This is just a snapshot of what is to come under BAT. Wait until Folashade starts her own gig. This is what you get when self-serving folks make their way to power and those who should know better align with them just to foster ethno-religious sentiments,” buzuzu7 added.

Chiding the journalist, X user, GoziconC, said, “Thank you for showcasing your frustration. When your father becomes the most powerful man in Nigeria, please don’t near the Presidential Jet. Feel free to use wheelbarrow as your means of transport, but until then, continue crying!!”

Aiesmerh tweeted, “So what do you expect them to fly public flight as a first family? Jaafar this your story won’t sell abeg. It’s so globally. Get another story to sell.”

“These guys were rich before entering the villa, stop this hating please. The nation is grappling with many issues and families are struggling too. PJ or No PJ, the boy will still find a way to watch his favourite sport,” Masiobi added.

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Unions want the monthly wage to be raised to $255 (£210) to help deal with the sharp rise in the cost of living since Mr Tinubu took office in May.

The President’s $32 increase only brings a monthly minimum salary to $70.

He also pledged to speed up the rollout of cheap gas-powered buses to help with the recent tripling of fuel prices.

This was prompted by Mr Tinubu’s removal of a fuel subsidy that had kept the price of petrol low for decades in Africa’s largest economy.

In June, the country also abandoned its currency peg allowing it to trade freely, leading to one of the biggest falls in the naira’s history.

This has made life difficult for struggling Nigerians as already high inflation has soared due to an increase in the cost of imports.

In a televised national address to mark the country’s 63rd year of independence from the UK, the President outlined measures he said would cushion people from the current economic hardship.

“There is no joy in seeing the people of this nation shoulder burdens that should have been shed years ago,” Mr Tinubu said.

“I wish today’s difficulties did not exist. But we must endure if we are to reach the good side of our future.”

The 71-year-old reiterated that while reform would be painful, it would be worth it as the government could now plough the billions saved from the fuel subsidy into projects like the compressed natural gas bus network.

“We now carry the costs of reaching a future in Nigeria where the abundance and fruits of the nation are fairly shared among all, not hoarded by a select and greedy few,” he said.

“A Nigeria where hunger, poverty and hardship are pushed into the shadows of an ever-fading past.”

The main labour unions – Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) – said they would proceed with the planned indefinite strike from Tuesday.

The union leaders insisted the government had failed to address the suffering caused by the removal of fuel subsidy.

The government had appealed to them to suspend the strike to allow more time for negotiations.

The court held that issues the APM raised in its petition contained pre-election matters that could only be determined by the Federal High Court.

Chairman of the panel, Justice Haruna Tsammani, who read the ruling, upheld preliminary objections that all the Respondents raised to challenge the competence of the petition.

Justice Haruna noted that since the petition centred on the qualification or otherwise of President Tinubu to contest the presidential election that was held on February 25, the APM, ought to have gone to court within 14 days after Tinubu was nominated by the All Progressives Congress, APC.

He held that since the cause of action bordered on a pre-election matter, the APM, lacked the locus standi to challenge Tinubu’s nomination.

More so, Justice Tsammani held that the Supreme Court had earlier decided that a political party does not have the right to challenge a nomination that was made by another political party.

He held that sections 131 and 237 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, made provisions for the qualification or disqualification of candidates in an election.

The court noted that the main grouse of the APM was on the alleged invalid nomination of Tinubu’s running mate, Kashim Shettima.

“It is clear that the claim of qualification is non-qualification of the 3rd Respondent (Tinubu) centred on the alleged invalid nomination of the 4th Respondent (Shettima).

“It is a pre-election matter,” Justice Tsammani held.

In a birthday message he released today, the President-elect reiterated his commitment to the great and important task of rebuilding the nation and renewing the hope of the Nigerian people. He said his term in office will begin in exactly two months today and that it will be a rare privilege indeed to serve and one that he doesn’t take lightly and shall not squander.

See the full statement below:

‘’My 71st Birthday Message to Nigerians

Dear Nigerians,

I thank all of you who have expressed your goodwill towards me on the occasion of my 71st birthday. I received your kind words with great pleasure and was profoundly touched by the depth of your care and support. Above all, I thank God Almighty for the life He has given me, for all the opportunities and doors He has opened to me along the way.

This year in particular, I see this day as one of deep reflection. The spiritual meaning and significance of the holy month of Ramadan matter to me much more than the celebration of any individual milestone.

Yet, this is my first birthday as the President-elect. A few weeks back, Nigerians gave me the honour of a lifetime. In exactly two months, on the 29th of May my term in office will begin. It is a rare privilege indeed, and one that I do not take lightly and shall not squander.

With such a privilege already granted to me, I will not go so far as to suggest I am due any birthday presents this year. I have already been given the greatest gift. A chance to lead and fulfil destiny. An opportunity to champion your aspirations and to bring about the Nigeria of your dreams.

I will, instead, use this day as an opportunity to reiterate my commitment to the great and important task of rebuilding our nation and renewing the hope of the Nigerian people. I campaigned hard and made important promises. Those promises were not mere words; professed glibly or cynically to win support. They represent a bond that binds me to the task of creating a better Nigeria for the benefit of every Nigerian, whether you voted for me or not. I have prepared for this moment all my life, I will not fail.

Henceforth, may growth, hope, peace and compassion stand proudly and ring loudly throughout the land. May we find the right way and the good courage to turn our beloved country into a strong, just and prosperous home for all. May Almighty God bless all Nigerians.

SIGNED

President-elect,

Asíwájú Bola Ahmed Tinubu

March 29, 2023”

My fellow Nigerians,

I am profoundly humbled that you have elected me to serve as the 16th president of our beloved republic. This is a shining moment in the life of any man and affirmation of our democratic existence. From my heart, I say thank you.

Whether you are Batified, Atikulated, Obidient, Kwankwasiyya, or have any other political affiliation, you voted for a better, more hopeful nation and I thank you for your participation and dedication to our democracy.

You decided to place your trust in the democratic vision of a Nigeria founded on shared prosperity and one nurtured by the ideals of unity, justice, peace and tolerance. Renewed hope has dawned in Nigeria.

We commend INEC for running a free and fair election. The lapses that did occur were relatively few in number and were immaterial to the final outcome. With each cycle of elections, we steadily perfect this process so vital to our democratic life.

Today, Nigeria stands tall as the giant of Africa. It shines even brighter as the continent’s biggest democracy.

I thank all who supported my campaign. From President Buhari who adeptly led my campaign as its chairman, to my Vice Presidential Candidate, Senator Kashim Shettima.

To the progressive governors of our party and this nation, to the party leadership, to our loyal party members. I owe you a debt of gratitude. To the entire campaign organization, I thank you sincerely.

I thank my loving wife and dear family whose support was ceaseless and inspiring. Without you, this victory would not be possible.

I am grateful to Almighty God. By His mercy, I was born a son of Nigeria and through His sublime purpose I find myself the victor of this election. May He grant me the wisdom and courage to lead the nation to the greatness He alone has destined for it.

Finally, I thank the Nigerian people for their abiding belief in our democracy. I shall be a fair leader to all Nigerians. I will be in tune with your aspirations, charge up your energies and harness your talents to deliver a nation that we can be proud of.

To my fellow candidates, former VP Atiku, former governor Kwankwaso, former governor Obi and all others, I extend the hand of friendship. This was a competitive, high-spirited campaign.

You have my utmost respect.

Political competition must now give way to political conciliation and inclusive governance.

During the election, you may have been my opponent but you were never my enemy. In my heart, you are my brothers.

Still, I know some candidates will be hard put to accept the election results. It is your right to seek legal recourse. What is neither right nor defensible is for anybody to resort to violence. Any challenge to the electoral outcome should be made in a court of law, and not in the streets.

I also ask my supporters to let peace reign and tensions fade. We ran a principled, peaceful and progressive campaign. The aftermath of our campaign must be as benign.

Yes, there are divisions amongst us that should not exist. Many people are uncertain, angry and hurt; I reach out to every one of you. Let the better aspects of our humanity step forward at this fateful moment. Let us begin to heal and bring calm to our nation.

Now, to you, the young people of this country, I hear you loud and clear. I understand your pains, your yearnings for good governance, a functional economy and a safe nation that protects you and your future.

I am aware that for many of you Nigeria has become a place of abiding challenges limiting your ability to see a bright future for yourselves.

Remodeling our precious national home requires the harmonious efforts of all of us, especially the youth. Working together, we shall move this nation as never before.

My running mate, Vice President-elect Shettima, and I understand the challenges ahead. More importantly, we also understand and deeply value the talent and innate goodness of you, the Nigerian people. We pledge to listen and to do the difficult things, the big deeds, that put us on the path of irreversible progress. Hold us firmly to account, but please give us a chance first.

Together, we shall build a brighter and more productive society for today, tomorrow and for years to come.

Today, you have given me the greatest honor you can bestow on one man.

In return, I will give you my utmost as your next president and commander-in-chief. Peace, unity and prosperity shall be the cornerstones of the society we intend to build. When you gaze upon what we shall accomplish in the coming years, you shall speak with pride at being a Nigerian.

I thank you all.

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Despite not giving any clear points to buttress his prediction, he indicated he sees that to be the dynamics. 

The NPP loyalist, who campaigned for President Akufo-Addo in 2020, made the post on his Twitter page and has sparked a massive debate online.

 “Just thinking ooo, if APC retains power and Tinubu becomes President this means NPP will also retain power!! Dynamics (laughing emoji),” he tweeted.

Just thinking ooo , if APC retains power and Tinubu becomes President this means NPP will also retain power!! Dynamics ?

— H.E Prince David Osei (@PrinceDavidOsei) February 28, 2023

The actor and other celebrities endorsed the NPP’s ‘4 More To Do More’ campaign in the 2020 elections.

Bola Tinubu has been declared President-elect by the International National Electoral Commission.

According to the results, the 70-year-old veteran won by 36%.

His main rival Atiku Abubakar polled 29% and Peter Obi 25%. 

Mr Tinubu, who saw off a divided opposition party and a youth-backed third-party candidate, is set to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari.

Mr Tinubu is one of Nigeria’s richest politicians and based his campaign on his record of rebuilding the biggest city, Lagos when he was governor.

He was nevertheless defeated in the city by Mr Obi, a relative newcomer who mobilised the support of many young people, especially in urban areas, shaking up the country’s two-party system.

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Mr Tinubu won most other states in his home region of the southwest, where he is known as a “political godfather”.

He campaigned for the presidency under the slogan: “It’s my turn”.

He succeeds President Muhammadu Buhari who is stepping down after two terms in office, marked by economic stagnation and growing insecurity around the country – from an Islamist insurgency in the north-east to a nationwide crisis of kidnapping for ransom and separatist attacks in the south-east.

Once forced into exile by military ruler Sani Abacha, Mr Tinubu knows the value of freedom and wears it as an insignia on his signature hat – a broken shackle that looks like a horizontal figure of eight.

A trained accountant, it was the activities of the pro-democracy National Democratic Coalition (Nadeco) group, where he was a member, that brought him into Abacha’s crosshairs.

The opposition of groups like Nadeco, and Abacha’s death in 1998, ushered in Nigeria’s democracy in 1999 and in many ways, Mr Tinubu, a former Mobil oil executive, feels entitled to Nigeria’s presidency.

He will be banking on his experience in politics and huge influence across the country to win the election, where he will face stiff competition from former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who is standing for the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and a burgeoning campaign by the Labour Party’s Peter Obi, who is hugely popular with urban voters.

If Mr Tinubu, known as “Jagaban” by supporters, gets the top job, he would be looking to unify a country divided across regional lines, tackle widespread insecurity, create jobs and bring down rising inflation.

But it is not a job that fazes him. He has pointed to his time as Lagos state governor between 1999 and 2007 to sell his candidacy to Nigerians.

Under his tenure, Lagos massively grew its income through huge foreign investment, while a public transport scheme that saw new lanes created for rapid buses eased the notorious traffic jams faced daily by commuters.

But the city of around 25 million people has not lived up to its reputation as a megacity despite his claims of turning it around.

Public infrastructure is largely in a state of disrepair – basic amenities such as water and public housing are decrepit, while a light rail project started during his reign has not been completed almost 20 years later despite the riches of the state.

He has also been accused of keeping a grip on state finances despite leaving office in 2007.

Every governor that has succeeded him has been a protégé following a “grand roadmap”, while one that dared to find his own path was quickly brought to heel, aided by powerful transport union members.

There are also allegations of corruption against Mr Tinubu, which he denies.

Two years ago, Dapo Apara, an accountant at Alpha-beta, a firm where Mr Tinubu purportedly holds stakes through a crony, accused him of using the firm for money laundering, fraud, tax evasion and other corrupt practices.

Mr Tinubu was sued despite him and Alpha-beta denying the allegations but all parties decided to settle out of court last June.

Such allegations, including twice facing Nigeria’s Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), on allegations of breaching the code of public officers – where he was cleared – make opponents say Mr Tinubu is not the right man for the job in a country where corruption is high.

In the last election, a brazen display of an armoured van used by banks to move money driving into his palatial compound in the Ikoyi area of Lagos fuelled suspicions that he was involved in vote-buying, which he made no great effort to deny.

“If I have money, if I like, I give it to the people free of charge, as long as [it’s] not to buy votes,” he said.

He is one of Nigeria’s richest politicians but there are questions about his wealth.

In December, he told the BBC that he inherited some real estate which he then invested, but in the past he also said he became an “instant millionaire” while working as an auditor at Deloitte and Touche.

He said he had saved $1.8m (£1.5m) from his wages and other allowances, nearly the same amount found in accounts linked to him in a 1993 dispute with the US authorities.

In documents that are publicly available, the US Department of Justice alleged that from early 1988, accounts opened in the name of Bola Tinubu held the proceeds of sales of white heroin.

Kevin Moss, the special agent that investigated the operation, alleged that Mr Tinubu worked for their prime suspect Adegoboyega Akande.

While the court confirmed it had cause to believe the money in the bank accounts were the proceeds of drug trafficking, Mr Tinubu and the others denied the allegations, and the court never made a final order about the money’s origins.

Instead, Mr Tinubu, who was not personally charged over the money, reached a compromise settlement with authorities and forfeited $460,000.

Mr Tinubu also faces questions about his health, once posting an eight-second video of him riding an exercise bike as proof-of-life.

Opponents say his age is catching up with him and point to videos of various gaffes at campaign rallies where it can be hard to understand what he’s saying.

Many Nigerians are wary of another president with health issues after President Umaru Yar’Adua died in office in 2010 and a current president who has spent considerable time getting medical treatment abroad.

But his supporters say he has the stamina for the job and is not competing for a spot at the Olympics.

There has also been some controversy about his choice of a running-mate.

Mr Tinubu, a southern Muslim, picked former Borno state governor Kashim Shettima, a northern Muslim, as his vice.

This move was seen as appeasing Nigeria’s Muslim-majority north which has the largest voting bloc in the country.

However, it drew the ire of many Christians who say it went against the tradition of mixed-faith tickets for the presidency.

He defended his choice, saying he went for competence over primordial interests.

He is seen as the political godfather of the south-west region and its most influential figure, who decides how power is distributed among his many acolytes.

In 2015 he described describes himself as a “talent hunter” that puts “talents into office”.

His immense political influence led to the merger of opposition parties in 2013 and eventually wrestled power from the then-ruling PDP in 2015 – a rarity in Nigeria where incumbents are not often defeated.

During his party primary, when it looked as though Mr Tinubu’s aspirations were flagging, he reminded Nigerians that he was largely responsible for installing President Muhammadu Buhari after the former military ruler had failed on several occasions to win the presidency.

Mr Buhari’s associates have since tried to downplay the former governor’s influence in the 2015 election, but it is unlikely that the current president would have emerged, twice, without the backing of Mr Tinubu.

That is why his supporters saw it as a betrayal when Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, who worked with Mr Tinubu as a commissioner in Lagos, ran against his former boss for the APC ticket.

If he wins February’s election, which is likely to be tightly contested, he will have to tackle many issues left behind by Mr Buhari – widespread insecurity, high unemployment, rising inflation and a country divided along ethnic lines.

It is not an impossible job, but the task ahead is daunting.

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