The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) has called on the Presidency to provide a full disclosure regarding President Bola Tinubu's extended absence from Nigeria. Tinubu's originally announced three-week vacation expired six days ago, yet he remains abroad. The ADC expressed concern over the lack of information on the President's whereabouts and the circumstances surrounding the extension of his stay.
According to the ADC, the Presidency owes Nigerians a clear and transparent explanation for the President's continued absence. The party's Director, Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, noted that the absence has generated questions and public concern, particularly given the country's current economic pressures, widespread hardship, and persistent security challenges. The ADC emphasized that the office of the President is a public trust, and Nigerians have a right to know where their President is.
The ADC highlighted the importance of transparency in governance, especially during times of uncertainty. The party stated that the Presidency must clarify the status of the President's vacation and explain the constitutional basis for the current arrangement. This is particularly crucial given that the President remains away from the country beyond the period earlier communicated to Nigerians.
The ADC also raised concerns about the reported decision to extend the President's vacation and the directive that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, should continue to represent the President at official functions. The party believes that such explanations do not answer the fundamental question confronting Nigerians: who is constitutionally and effectively in charge of the affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria while the President remains away?
The party emphasized that presidential movements and the exercise of executive authority cannot be treated as matters of private convenience when they directly concern the governance of a nation of more than 200 million people. The ADC joins concerned Nigerians in demanding transparency, accountability, and respect for the constitutional responsibilities attached to the office of President.
President Tinubu was elected to lead Nigeria, and Nigerians have a legitimate expectation that the Presidency will keep them adequately informed about matters affecting the exercise of presidential authority. The ADC called on the Presidency to immediately provide Nigerians with a comprehensive and unambiguous explanation regarding the President's absence.
The ADC's demand for transparency comes as Nigerians are increasingly anxious about the President's prolonged absence. The party warned that silence can only deepen public anxiety and fuel speculation. The ADC's statement has added to the growing pressure on the Presidency to provide clarity on the President's absence and the arrangements in place for governance during this period.
Key points
- The ADC demands full disclosure on President Tinubu's absence
- The President's vacation expired six days ago
- The ADC emphasizes the importance of transparency in governance
