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Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari was sworn in for a second term on Wednesday, pledging once again to tackle crippling security threats and eradicating corruption in the key economy of the country. ;Africa.
The 76-year-old leader, who has been in power since 2015 and was re-elected in February, was sworn in for a second four-year term in the capital, Abuja.
"I solemnly swear that I will be faithful and bear genuine allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria," said Buhari, dressed in a simple white dress and a traditional embroidered hat. "I will preserve, protect and defend the constitution."
Buhari was sworn that officials called a "discreet" ceremony.
It included an arrival on the red carpet lined with bagpipe players in a stadium filled with dignitaries and military honor guard.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was also invested.
Buhari was reelected with 56% of the vote in the most populous country of Africa – and first oil producer – after a late poll that angered voters.
Its rival, Atiku Abubakar of the Democratic People's Party (PDP), came in second with 41% of the vote, and along with other opposition leaders, launched a permanent legal challenge to victory.
They allege irregularities in the vote and called it a "sham".
Buhari, a former army general who led a tough military government in the 1980s, campaigned on promising to make the country safer.
He began a last four-year term with many challenges.
Nigeria is grappling with multiple conflicts, including an Islamist insurgency in the north-east of the country.
His time in power has also been hampered by questions about his state of health. He spent several months abroad for treatment for an unspecified condition.
Buhari himself is touted as a "converted democrat" to persuade those who doubted that his military past was a story.
But in the performance of his duties, he struggled to get rid of his claims of authoritarianism – particularly in his fight against corruption which, according to critics, was one-sided against opponents alleged policies.
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