Abuja, Nigeria – 29 May 2015: The Chairperson of the African Union (AU), H.E. Robert Mugabe, President of Zimbabwe and Chairperson of the AU Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma joined other African leaders, dignitaries, Nigerian citizens and well-wishers, to witness the historic inauguration of H.E. Muhammadu Buhari as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The beautiful ceremony and the solemn power transfer made the day memorable and unprecedented in the history of Nigeria. The AU leadership followed, alongside millions of Nigerians, African Heads of state and governments in Nigeria and across the world as events unfolded from the Eagle Square Abuja, Nigeria, on Friday 29 May 2015.

Speaking at a Presidential inaugural dinner organised on the eve of the occasion of the inauguration, the AU Commission Chairperson congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari for his election. She expressed confidence in the experience and leadership of the new President in handling the high expectations that have greeted his election. Dr. Dlamini Zuma assured the President of the full her support and that of the AU during his tenure of office.

During his maiden speech upon assuming office, President Buhari, among other things, also assured the sub-region and the continent of the full support of his administration, to play any leadership role that Africa expects of Nigeria. He took the opportunity “to thank the governments and people of Cameroon, Chad and Niger for committing their armed forces to fight Boko Haram in Nigeria."

Paying tribute to the then outgoing President, H.E. Goodluck Jonathan, the AU Commission Chairperson recognised his statesmanship and appreciated the manifested love for the people of Nigeria. The AU Commission Chairperson invited him to join former African Heads of State and Government to promote peace, democracy, good governance and development in Africa.
The AUC Chairperson also paid tribute to the Independent National Electoral Commission for doing an exemplary job in organizing a smooth electoral process. She hailed the people of Nigeria for their active engagement and participation in the peaceful and democratic elections that goes a long way to strengthen the culture of democracy.