The inauguration of Umaru Musa Yar'Adua as the 13th President of Nigeria—and the 2nd president in the Fourth Republic—was held on Tuesday, 29 May 2007. The event marked the beginning of the only term of President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua and Vice President Goodluck Jonathan. It was the 5th presidential inauguration in Nigeria’s history, the 3rd in the Fourth Republic, and notably, the first successful democratic transfer of power from one civilian administration to another in the country.
Yar'Adua’s presidency ended prematurely with his death on 5 May 2010, 2 years and 341 days into his term. As constitutionally mandated, Vice President Goodluck Jonathan succeeded him as president.
Background
Umaru Musa Yar'Adua was declared winner of the 2007 Nigerian presidential election, a result that was widely condemned both domestically and internationally as marred by irregularities and fraud. Despite legal challenges and criticism, the transition to his administration proceeded as scheduled.
Swearing-In Ceremony
- Date: 29 May 2007
- Venue: Eagle Square, Abuja
- Oath administered by: Chief Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi
Both President Yar'Adua and Vice President Jonathan took their oaths of office at a public ceremony attended by government officials and foreign dignitaries.
Notable Attendees
Present: - General Yakubu Gowon (former Head of State) - President Shehu Shagari - General Ibrahim Babangida - Interim President Ernest Shonekan - General Abdulsalami Abubakar
Absent: - General Muhammadu Buhari, the ANPP presidential candidate, who had challenged the outcome of the election in court and refused to attend the inauguration.
Public Reaction
While the ceremony was celebrated by the ruling party and its supporters, many Nigerians chose to avoid the event, either in protest of the flawed electoral process or due to lack of trust in the new administration.
Significance
- First civilian-to-civilian transfer of power in Nigeria
- Symbolized a milestone in democratic consolidation, despite electoral controversies
- Preceded the succession of Goodluck Jonathan following Yar'Adua’s death, which was a constitutional test for the republic
See Also
- 2007 Nigerian general election(#)
- First inauguration of Goodluck Jonathan(#)
- Inauguration of Bola Tinubu(#)
References
- Nigerian national archives and press reports
- Inauguration coverage from 2007 news outlets
- Election observation mission reports