Posted by Chinenye on Wed 19th Aug, 2026 - tori.ng
Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Abuja earlier than expected after a two-week break, but his early arrival comes as Nigeria enters an important political period.
(Vice President Kashim Shettima. Photo Credit: Punch News)
Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to the country after a two-week break, two days ahead of his officially announced return date of August 20, 2026.
The reporter was informed by high-ranking officials associated with the Vise President that Shettima arrived back in Abuja late on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
On Wednesday, one official stated, "He returned yesterday evening."
"Since yesterday, we had been anticipating him. "He has returned," an assistant affirmed.
However, the Vise President was not present at the Federal Executive Council meeting that President Bola Tinubu chaired on Wednesday in the State House's Council Chamber in Abuja.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission, Shettima's early homecoming coincides with the start of campaigns on August 19 in advance of the 2027 elections.
On August 6, 2026, the Vise President took his first two-week break since taking office on May 29, 2023, with President Tinubu's consent.
The Vise President will utilize the time for "study, reflection, and intellectual renewal," according to a statement released at the time by Stanley Nkwocha, his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications.
In advance of the accelerated execution of the Renewed Hope Agenda, Nkwocha characterized it as a chance for him to examine the administration's current initiatives and broaden his knowledge of new domestic and international policy concerns.
Since taking office, Shettima has continued to actively coordinate and oversee a number of important government initiatives, including those related to economic development, food security, humanitarian affairs, digital transformation, job creation, and regional cooperation, according to the statement.
In addition, he serves as the chair of the National Economic Council, which is composed of the governors of the 36 states, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and other public servants.