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.
A statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, on Saturday said Shettima left on Saturday, at the instance of President Bola Tinubu.
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.
“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.
“The Vice President is expected to return to Nigeria after the inauguration,” the statement added.
Nguema, who orchestrated a coup that ended decades of Bongo family rule, is set to be sworn in as President on Saturday, after securing nearly 95 percent of the vote in last month’s election.
The general and former junta leader, who ousted Ali Bongo in August 2023, brings an end to 55 years of dynastic leadership. He assumed the presidency after overseeing a 19-month transitional government.
Several African heads of state are expected to attend the inauguration, which will be held in a 40,000-seat stadium located north of the capital, Libreville.
Confirmed attendees include Gambia’s Adama Barrow, Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Djibouti’s Ismail Omar Guelleh, and Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.
