VICE PRESIDENT SHETTIMA REPRESENTS TINUBU AT OUATTARA’S FOURTH TERM INAUGURATION IN ABIDJAN

Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of Alassane Ouattara for a fourth term as President. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications Stanley Nkwocha said in a statement that Senator Shettima is expected to join other leaders across Africa and beyond to witness activities lined up for the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Monday, December 8, 2025, at the Presidential Palace in Abidjan.

Nkwocha stated that Ouattara was re-elected for a fourth term on October 25, 2025, leading the West African nation that shares cordial diplomatic ties with Nigeria. “Both nations collaborate significantly within ECOWAS and the African Union on security, trade, and development,” the statement noted, adding that the relationship is formalized by a Bi-National Commission and numerous agreements covering areas like anti-trafficking, agriculture, and digital economy. The statement further highlighted the strong informal trade and significant Nigerian diaspora in Côte d’Ivoire, which foster deep bilateral economic and social connections.

According to Nkwocha, the Vice President is accompanied by HE Omar Aliyu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission; Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs; and Hon. Usman Zannah, member representing Kaga/Gubio/Magumeri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. Nkwocha added that the Vice President is expected back in Abuja at the end of the inauguration ceremony.