The Presidency maintains that the swearing-in of Mr. Tinubu and Vice-President-elect Kashim Shettima remains "sacrosanct" and that it will not disclose the names of foreign presidents "eager" to attend the May 29 ceremony.
Boss Mustapha, the secretary to the government of the federation, made this statement during a speech at a global news conference on Thursday in Abuja to launch the inauguration events.
Many international heads of state, according to Mr. Mustapha, have expressed interest in attending the inauguration. He did not, however, divulge the identities of individuals who had RSVP'd in order to maintain security.
“Diplomatic privileges will not allow us to announce the number of presidents or who is coming because of the precarious times we are in today,†stated Mr Mustapha.
“However, there is enthusiasm and eagerness to come and support Nigeria to sustain its democracy. So we have a responsibility to get it right.â€
The current legal battle at the election tribunal, according to Mr. Mustapha, the head of the presidential transition council, won't have an impact on the swearing-in of the president-elect and vice-president-elect.
“Without any fear of contradiction, there will be inauguration on May 29. This is not the first time. During the election of former President Shehu Shagari, there was litigation, but the country went ahead with the inauguration,†the SGF explained.
“Also, During the election of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, there was litigation, but we continued with the swearing-in. It was only former President Goodluck Jonathan that did not take the route of litigation.â€
Mr Mustapha added, “So, as long as the Lord tarries, there will be inauguration.â€
The Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution, according to the PTC chairman, have sufficient rules on how to handle litigation resulting from elections.
The inauguration of the new president on May 29 will mark Nigeria's eighth straight democratic transfer of power. The day will also see the inauguration of the nation's 16th president.