VICE PRESIDENT SHETTIMA DEPARTS FOR GABON TO REPRESENT NIGERIA AT PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION

Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Libreville, Gabon, to represent Nigeria at the inauguration of the country’s President-elect, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, in a statement, said the Vice President left on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the instance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Nkwocha said Nigeria remains supportive of the peaceful democratic transition in Gabon and reaffirms the government’s broader strategic interest in promoting democratic governance and regional stability in Central Africa. “Nigeria remains supportive of the peaceful democratic transition in Gabon and reaffirms the government’s broader strategic interest in promoting democratic governance and regional stability in Central Africa,” Nkwocha said.

Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria after the inauguration. Nkwocha did not provide further details about the Vice President’s schedule or meetings during his visit. Oligui Nguema, who had served as Gabon’s interim leader since August 2023, secured a decisive victory in the country’s April 12 presidential election.

The Vice President’s attendance at the inauguration underscores Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation and support for democratic processes in Africa. Nkwocha’s statement highlighted the importance of the event for Nigeria’s diplomatic relations with Gabon and the broader Central African region.