JUST IN: Shettima Departs Abuja for Presidential Inauguration in Benin Republic

Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Cotonou, Benin Republic, to represent President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration of President-elect Patrice Talon.

Shettima is expected to join other African and global leaders at the ceremony scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 2026, at the Presidential Palace in Cotonou.

The swearing-in will mark the beginning of a seven-year constitutional term for the incoming administration.

President-elect Wadagni will take the oath of office in Porto-Novo, while his running mate, Mariam Chabi Talata, will be sworn in as Vice President.

In Benin Republic, inauguration ceremonies typically follow a formal state protocol, including the official transfer of power, handover of the presidential sash and insignia at the Presidential Palace in Cotonou, and a motorcade procession to the Charles de Gaulle Stadium in Porto-Novo.

In a statement, the spokesperson to the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, noted that Nigeria and Benin share deep historical, socio-cultural, and economic ties, even as relations are shaped by issues such as border security, trade, and energy cooperation.

He added that Nigeria places strong importance on regional stability and the strengthening of ECOWAS, a goal President Tinubu has continued to prioritise since assuming office.

The Vice President, who is accompanied by senior government officials and aides, is expected to return to Nigeria after the engagement.