The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council has called for an explanation from the Presidency regarding President Bola Tinubu's continued absence from Nigeria. Tinubu's originally announced three-week vacation expired six days ago, yet he had not returned to the country as of September 27. The ADC PCC expressed concern over the lack of clear information on Tinubu's current location and the reason for the extension of his stay abroad.
President Tinubu departed Nigeria for London on August 30 and later travelled to Paris, where he met French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré. During his absence, Vice-President Kashim Shettima attended several official engagements on his behalf before leaving Abuja for New York to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly. The President was initially expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend, but reports indicate that his return has been delayed until Tuesday.
The ADC PCC, in a statement issued by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, urged the Presidency to provide Nigerians with clear and verifiable information on the President's current location and the constitutional arrangements governing the country during his absence. The party emphasized that the office of the President is a public trust and that Nigerians have a right to know where their President is and who is exercising presidential authority.
The ADC PCC highlighted the importance of transparency, particularly during a time when Nigeria is facing serious economic pressures, widespread hardship, and persistent security challenges. The party called on the Presidency to immediately provide clear and verifiable information on the President's current location, the reason for the prolonged absence, and the constitutional arrangements governing the administration of the country.
In response to the ADC's concerns, the Presidency assured Nigerians that President Tinubu is "hale and hearty" and remains engaged with official duties and activities despite his absence. According to a statement by the President's spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu is currently on his annual vacation but is "perfectly entitled" to take a working vacation. The Presidency argued that advances in technology enable the President to carry out his responsibilities without being physically present in Abuja.
The Presidency also cited President Tinubu's reported meetings with investors in France as evidence of his continued work while away from Nigeria. Additionally, the Presidency noted that other African leaders, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, were also not present in New York for the UNGA. The Presidency criticized former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi for questioning Tinubu's whereabouts.
President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria this week ahead of the country's 66th Independence anniversary. He is also expected to attend the premiere of a movie about the life of late businessman and democracy campaigner, MKO Abiola, in Lagos. The ADC PCC warned that continued silence from the Presidency could fuel public anxiety and speculation, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability over the President's prolonged absence.
Key points
- The ADC PCC demands clarity on President Tinubu's vacation extension and the constitutional arrangements governing the country during his absence.
- President Tinubu's prolonged absence has generated public concern and speculation.
- The Presidency assures Nigerians that President Tinubu is "hale and hearty" and remains engaged with official duties despite his absence.
