Nigeria President-elect Bola Tinubu Caught Off Guard as Buhari Gives Him a Tour of Aso Rock

President Muhammadu Buhari led the president-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu, on an unexpected tour of the presidential villa in Abuja, leaving Tinubu visibly stunned. The two leaders embarked on a familiarization visit to the premises of Aso Rock, taking the opportunity to strengthen their relationship and ensure a smooth transition of power. During the tour, Bola Tinubu was seen wobbling before leaning against a piece of furniture behind him as Buhari led him around Aso Rock.

Before the tour, both President Buhari and President-elect Bola Tinubu participated in the weekly Juma’at prayers at the Aso Rock mosque, alongside other Muslim faithful. During their tour, President Buhari and Tinubu inspected several departments crucial to the functioning of the presidency.

Starting with the Council Chamber, they proceeded to the press gallery, where they were captured in a candid moment. It was at this point that Tinubu, seemingly overwhelmed by the grandeur of Aso Rock, appeared momentarily unsteady and leaned on a nearby piece of furniture for support.

Insightful Guidance from the State Chief of Protocol

Ambassador Lawal Kazaure, the State Chief of Protocol (SCOP), accompanied the leaders and provided valuable information about the visited departments. With his guidance, President Buhari and Tinubu gained a deeper understanding of the inner workings of the State House, further solidifying their roles and responsibilities.

As the tour reached the Press Gallery, an area adjacent to the Council Chambers, both leaders paused and stood in contemplative silence for a few minutes. Ambassador Kazaure continued to enlighten them about the significance of the location, highlighting its role in facilitating communication between the presidency and the press.

However, the leaders refrained from engaging with the State House correspondents who were eagerly awaiting the opportunity to ask questions. This tour of Aso Rock by President-elect Tinubu follows a similar pattern set by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who took Vice President-elect Kashim Shettima on a familiarization tour of the Vice President’s office and its departments the previous day.