By Abiola Olawale
Vice President Kashim Shettima departed Abuja on Saturday, May 3, 2025, to attend the inauguration of Gabon’s President-elect, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, in Libreville.
It was gathered that Shettima jetted out of the country to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima’s attendance highlights Nigeria’s support for Gabon’s peaceful democratic transition.
The statement added that Shettima’s visit is expected to strengthen Nigeria-Gabon diplomatic ties, with the Vice President scheduled to return to Nigeria immediately after the inauguration ceremony.
The statement reads in part: “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 New Diplomat reports that Nguema, who has served as Gabon’s interim leader since August 2023, secured a landslide victory in the April 12, 2025, presidential election, garnering 58,074 votes—94.85% of the total ballots cast, as confirmed by Gabon’s Constitutional Court.
He outperformed seven challengers, with former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze trailing at 3%.
The Army General and former junta leader, who toppled Ali Bongo in August 2023, ending 55 years of dynastic rule by the Bongo family, officially takes the presidential reins after leading a 19-month transition government.
Several African heads of state are expected to attend the inauguration in a 40,000-capacity stadium, north of the capital, Libreville.
They include Gambia’s Adama Barrow, Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Djibouti’s Ismail Omar Guelleh and Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo from Equatorial Guinea.
