By Pascal Ibe
Introduction
Nigerian political figures are currently divided over whether domestic political contests should involve seeking validation or leveraging pressure from foreign governments.
As the 2027 Nigerian general elections draw closer, politicians vying for different elective positions believe that key endorsements from international leaders mean a lot to the path to their victories.
Claim
A video clip of Vice President Kashim Shettima meeting with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has surfaced online.
An X user, @General_Buhar (June12 Mandate), shared the 10-second clip on 30 August with a caption that reads, “VP Shettima with Vladimir Putin”.
The post has already garnered over 70, 000 l views and hundreds of likes according to X analytics.
Verification
First, we observed that in the video, the background where the two leaders greeted had writings that read, “RUSSIA AFRICA ST. PETERSBURG 2023
27-28 JULY”. A primary evidence that the clip was from three years ago.
To corroborate this further, FACTWATCH Nigeria searched and found reports which confirmed that Shettima met Putin at the second Russia-Africa economic and humanitarian summit in St. Petersburg, Russia in July 2023.
The summit is focused on strategising to enhance relations between Russia and the African continent, among other benefits.
This video and the reports, were posted then here, here, here and here.
Verdict
By the X user publishing the video clip again in 2026 without a clear indication that it was from 2023, it is therefore MISLEADING.
