The inauguration of President Bola Tinubu witnessed a mild stampede at the Eagle Square in Abuja as dignitaries made their way to the VIP section. Notable among the drama that ensued was the refusal of the former governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, and the governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, to enter the VIP section.
According to reports gathered by DAILY NIGERIAN, VIPs were seated in the state box while other dignitaries occupied other pavilions. Ganduje arrived with his wife, Hafsat Ganduje, with a green-coloured invitation card but was prevented from entering the VIP section by security operatives.
The security personnel reportedly told Ganduje that only guests with golden-coloured invitation cards would be allowed into the VIP pavilion. In a circulating video, Soludo was also seen being redirected to another sitting position by security operatives.
Reacting to the incident, Bashir Ahmad, a social media aide to former President Muhammadu Buhari, expressed his disappointment on his Facebook page. Ahmad stated that he was unhappy with the way the former Kano State governor was subjected to embarrassment.
He added that if he had prior notice, he would have provided an invitation card that would have granted Ganduje access to the VIP section. The incident at the event reflects the deflating influence and status of politicians who no longer occupy power.
