Muhammadu Buhari sworn in as president of Nigeria

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan (left) holds his handover notes as President-elect Mohammadu Buhari looks on during a ceremony in Abuja on May 28, 2015. AFP PHOTO

What you need to know:

  • Buhari took the oath of office in the capital Abuja standing next to the man he defeated, former president Goodluck Jonathan.
  • Outgoing president Goodluck Jonathan arrived roughly 30 minutes after Buhari.

Muhammadu Buhari was sworn in as the new president of Nigeria on Friday in a historic ceremony after he won the country's first ever opposition victory over a sitting president.

Buhari took the oath of office in the capital Abuja standing next to the man he defeated, former president Goodluck Jonathan.

Buhari arrived at Eagle Square in the capital Abuja on Friday 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 leaders in attendance included Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe, the current head of the west African bloc ECOWAS President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, 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.