President of Nigeria
The President of Nigeria, officially the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is the head of state and head of government of Nigeria. The president leads the executive branch and is the commander-in-chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The office combines the roles of head of state and government since the 1979 Constitution, with executive powers vested in the president. These include enforcing federal law, appointing executive and judicial officers, conducting foreign policy, and signing or vetoing federal legislation. Presidents are elected for four-year terms and are viewed as leaders of their political parties.
Current President: Bola Tinubu (since 29 May 2023)
History
Ceremonial Presidency and the First Republic (1963–1966)
- Nigeria gained independence on 1 October 1960.
- Nnamdi Azikiwe became the first Governor-General (1960) and later ceremonial president (1963) when Nigeria became a republic.
Military Rule (1966–1979)
- 1966: Coup led by Major Chukwuma Nzeogwu; Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi became Head of State.
- July 1966: Counter-coup; Yakubu Gowon became leader.
- 1975: Gowon deposed; Murtala Mohammed ruled until assassinated in 1976.
- 1976–1979: Olusegun Obasanjo succeeded him and returned Nigeria to civilian rule in 1979.
Second Republic (1979–1983)
- New constitution; Shehu Shagari elected as executive president.
Military Rule (1983–1999)
- 1983: Buhari took over after a coup.
- 1985: Babangida overthrew Buhari.
- 1993: Interim Government led by Ernest Shonekan.
- 1993: Sani Abacha seized power.
- 1998: Abacha died; Abdulsalami Abubakar succeeded him.
Fourth Republic (1999–Present)
- 1999: Obasanjo returned as elected president.
- 2007: Umaru Musa Yar'Adua.
- 2010: Goodluck Jonathan.
- 2015: Muhammadu Buhari.
- 2023: Bola Tinubu.
Selection Process
Electoral System
- Modified two-round system.
- First-round win: plurality + 25% in 24 states + FCT.
- If not met, runoff held. If still unresolved, a third-round simple majority applies.
Eligibility
To be president:
- Nigerian by birth
- At least 35 years old (40 before 2018)
- Member of a political party
- Minimum of school certificate level education
Disqualified if:
- Holds foreign citizenship
- Served two previous terms
- Adjudged to be of unsound mind or bankrupt
- Convicted for serious offences or fraud
- Did not resign public office 30 days before election
- Member of a secret society or indicted for fraud
- Presented a forged certificate
Inauguration and Oath
Administered by the Chief Justice:
"I do solemnly swear/affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria..."
Powers
Appointments
- Secretary to Government
- Federal Executive Council members
- Military High Command
- Chief of Staff, aides, press secretary
- Heads of federal departments, agencies, and diplomatic missions
Commander-in-Chief
- Ultimate authority over Nigerian Armed Forces
Foreign Policy
- Represents Nigeria internationally
- Conducts negotiations and signs treaties
Ceremonial Duties
- Grand Commander in the Order of the Federal Republic
Term Duration
- Four-year term
- Two-term limit
Residence
- Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja
Protection
Security Agencies
State Security Service (SSS)
- Protects president, VP, top officials, and families
Presidential Guards Brigade
- Secures president and the FCT
- Supports internal security and performs ceremonial duties
During Transit
- Airborne Security: Managed by Nigerian Air Force
- Ground Security: Managed by SSS and military units
Motorcade
Around 30 vehicles, including:
- Police escort
- SSS SUVs
- Press vans
- Medical ambulance
- Countermeasure vehicles
Transport
Ground
- SSS oversees armored vehicle convoy
- Current state car: Armored Cadillac Escalade (since 2023)
Air
- Managed by Nigerian Air Force
Presidential Air Fleet:
- 1 × Boeing Business Jet (737)
- 1 × Dassault Falcon 7X
- 2 × Gulfstream Jets (G500, G550)
- 2 × AW-189 helicopters
- 2 × AW-139 helicopters
- 1 × Airbus A330
See Also
- List of governors and governors-general of Nigeria(#)
- List of heads of state of Nigeria(#)
- Nigerian presidential inauguration(#)
- Nigerian Presidential Transport Fleet(#)
- Prime Minister of Nigeria(#)
- List of Nigerian heads of state by age(#)