Vice President Kashim Shettima will travel to Libreville, Gabon, on Saturday to represent Nigeria at the inauguration of Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema as Gabon’s new President.

The Vice President’s visit underscores Nigeria’s continued support for peaceful democratic transitions and its broader commitment to fostering regional stability and democratic governance in Central Africa. The announcement was made by Stanley Nkwocha, Media Assistant to the Vice President.

Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, who has served as Gabon’s interim leader since the August 2023 coup that ousted former President Ali Bongo Ondimba, triumphed in the country’s presidential election held on April 12, 2025. Final results released by Gabon’s Constitutional Court revealed Nguema won a landslide victory, securing 58,074 votes, which accounts for 94.85% of the total ballots cast.

The election saw Oligui Nguema face seven opponents, with former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze finishing second with just 3% of the vote. The remaining candidates failed to reach the 1% threshold.

Vice President Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria immediately after the inauguration.

This event marks a crucial step in Gabon’s transition back to civilian leadership, and Nigeria’s participation reflects its diplomatic interest in promoting political stability and democratic reforms throughout Africa.