Vice President Shettima Returns Early from Leave Ahead of Election Campaigns

Vice President Kashim Shettima has concluded his two-week leave and returned to Nigeria, resuming duties two days ahead of his official return date of August 20, 2026. Highly placed officials confirmed his arrival in Abuja late Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

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He returned yesterday evening.

Shettima's early return comes as campaign activities for the 2027 general elections commence on August 19, as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission. While he returned on Tuesday, he was not present at the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, which was presided over by President Bola Tinubu.

The Vice President had begun his leave on August 6, 2026, with the approval of President Tinubu. This was his first leave since assuming office on May 29, 2023. His Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, had stated that the leave was designated for "study, reflection and intellectual renewal."

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We were expecting him since yesterday. He has resumed.

According to Nkwocha, the period was an opportunity for Shettima to review the administration's ongoing programs and deepen his understanding of emerging national and global policy issues. This preparation is seen as crucial for the intensified implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda. Shettima has been actively involved in coordinating strategic government initiatives, particularly in economic development, food security, and humanitarian affairs.

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study, reflection and intellectual renewal.