Vice President Shettima Departs Abuja for Gabon's President-Elect, Nguema's Inauguration Ceremony
Gearing up for a journey from Nigeria's capital, Vice President Kashim Shettima will make his way to Libreville, Gabon, on May 3, 2025, representing the nation at the inauguration of Gabon's newly elected President, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema.
Oligui Nguema, who took over as Gabon's interim leader back in August 2023, claimed a significant triumph in the presidential election held on April 12, according to a statement from Vice President Shettima's spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha. The Constitutional Court has reportedly recognized Oligui Nguema's victory, indicating he garnered approximately 94.85% of the total votes cast.
Among Oligui Nguema's competitors were former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze, who trailed behind with only 3% of the votes, while the rest of the candidates failed to surpass the 1% mark.
Nkwocha's statement also highlighted that Nigeria supports the smooth democratic transition in Gabon and is committed to fostering democratic governance and regional stability in Central Africa. Following the inauguration, Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria the same day.
Meanwhile, the North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has stood firm in opposition to the suggestion that President Bola Tinubu should drop Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election. This response comes in response to the North-Central Renaissance Movement, which has called on Tinubu to consider a vice-presidential candidate from the North-Central region as a prerequisite for the region's support in the 2027 polls. The APC Forum has unequivocally expressed its unwavering support for both Tinubu and Shettima.
Rewind the Clock
- Interesting Facts: Gabon's political shift in 2023 was initiated by Brice Oligui Nguema following a military coup, ending 55 years of Bongo family rule marked by corruption allegations. Nguema's election victory in April 2025, with almost 95% of the vote, has been criticized for consolidating military power under civilian guise.
- Unpack the Unspoken: The African Union (AU) faces a challenge in addressing Gabon's breach of the African Charter on Democracy due to Oligui Nguema's coup past. Nigeria's attendance at Oligui Nguema's inauguration demonstrates a pragmatic approach and prioritization of regional stability over direct condemnation.
- Looking Ahead: The AU is set to determine whether to lift Gabon's suspension based on the delicate balance between restoring constitutional order and upholding democratic principles. As Nigeria moves forward, President Tinubu's administration will continue to navigate this complex regional landscape.
- Vice President Kashim Shettima is set to depart from Abuja, Nigeria's capital, on a journey to Libreville, Gabon, for the inauguration of Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema on May 3, 2025.
- Oligui Nguema, who assumed leadership as Gabon's interim president in August 2023, claimed victory in the presidential election held on April 12, 2025.
- According to a statement from Vice President Shettima's spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha, Oligui Nguema received approximately 94.85% of the total votes cast in the election.
- Among Oligui Nguema's competitors were former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze, who obtained 3% of the votes, while the rest of the candidates failed to surpass the 1% mark.
- Nigeria has expressed support for the smooth democratic transition in Gabon and is committed to fostering democratic governance and regional stability in Central Africa.
- The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has stated its unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for the 2027 presidential election.
- The AU faces a challenge in addressing Gabon's breach of the African Charter on Democracy due to Oligui Nguema's coup past, with Nigeria's attendance at the inauguration demonstrating a pragmatic approach and prioritization of regional stability over direct condemnation.
- As President Tinubu's administration moves forward, it will continue to navigate the complex regional landscape, with Gabon's suspension from the AU pending determination based on the delicate balance between restoring constitutional order and upholding democratic principles.
