Abuja: Nigeria`s president-elect Muhammadu Buhari arrived at Eagle Square in the capital Abuja on Friday for his historic inauguration after he won the first ever opposition victory over a sitting president.
Buhari arrived in a convoy shortly before 10:00 am (0900 GMT) with his wife Aisha, both wearing the traditional robes of Nigeria`s mainly Muslim north, their home region.
The incoming leader of Africa`s most populous country greeted visiting heads of state and dignitaries, including South African President Jacob Zuma, and US Secretary of State John Kerry.
Other leadings in attendance included Zimbabwe`s President Jacob Zuma, current head of the west African bloc ECOWAS and Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama and French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius.
The presidents of Nigeria`s northeast neighbours -- Idris Deby of Chad and Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger -- were also present, with three leaders expected to continue cooperating in the battle against Boko Haram.
Buhari also shook hands with the elected president he ousted in a military coup in December 1983, Shehu Shagari, and the general that deposed him 20 months later, Ibrahim Babangida.
Outgoing president Goodluck Jonathan arrived roughly 30 minutes after Buhari and took his seat next to his successor after the national anthem was played.
