The African Action Congress has filed a suit against President Bola Tinubu at the Federal High Court in Abuja, accusing him of violating the Constitution by failing to notify the National Assembly before embarking on a month-long vacation in Europe. The party claims that Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30, 2026, and remained abroad as of the date the suit was filed. The AAC is seeking a declaration that Tinubu breached Section 145(1) of the 1999 Constitution.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2358/2026, lists Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the National Assembly as defendants. The AAC is asking the court to declare that the President is mandated to compulsorily transmit a written declaration to the Senate President and the Speaker before proceeding on vacation for any number of days. The party also wants the court to declare that the alleged failure to transmit the declaration before the trip is undemocratic and a gross violation of the Constitution.
The AAC further challenged the National Assembly's alleged failure to convene and pass a resolution authorising Vice President Kashim Shettima to act as President after Tinubu had spent more than 21 days on vacation. The party asked the court to hold that the alleged failure by the National Assembly to act was unlawful, unconstitutional, and a violation of the mandatory duty imposed on the National Assembly under Section 145(2) of the Constitution. The party is also seeking an order of perpetual injunction restraining Tinubu from embarking on any future vacation without first transmitting the required written declaration.
A member of the House of Representatives, Wale Ahmed, defended Tinubu's extended stay abroad, saying the President had continued to discharge his responsibilities despite being outside the country. Tinubu began his 21-day working leave on August 30, as he was expected back in the country on September 21. However, he tarried, with a statement from the Presidency that the President would return at the weekend. On Sunday, another statement declared the President hale and hearty, adding that he would return to the country on Tuesday ahead of the October 1 Independence anniversary.
The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council, however, pledged that its candidate, Atiku Abubakar, would run an accessible and responsive presidency if elected in 2027. The council said Atiku would not be an "absentee president" and pledged that his government would remain accessible and responsive to Nigerians, particularly during periods of national crisis. The Director of Media and Publicity of the Council, Kola Ologbondiyan, gave the assurance on Monday in Abuja.
Ologbondiyan said the country required a president who would be available to take timely decisions on matters affecting the economy, security, and welfare of citizens. He recalled Atiku's position during the 2023 presidential campaign that the removal of petrol subsidy should be implemented gradually rather than through an abrupt withdrawal that could intensify economic pressure on households. The ADC spokesman said Atiku's economic agenda would focus on addressing rising living costs, improving citizens' welfare, and restoring confidence in public institutions.
The suit was filed by Inibehe Effiong of Inibehe Effiong Chambers, counsel for the AAC, and no date has been fixed for hearing. The AAC's suit and Atiku's pledge for an accessible presidency come as Nigerians prepare for the 2027 general elections. Atiku's proposal for a production-based intervention in the pricing of petroleum products refined in Nigeria reflects his broader emphasis on measures designed to reduce the pressure of energy costs on households and businesses while maintaining transparency in public expenditure.
Key points
- The African Action Congress has sued President Tinubu over his month-long vacation in Europe, accusing him of violating the Constitution.
- Atiku Abubakar has pledged to run an accessible and responsive presidency if elected in 2027.
- The suit challenges the National Assembly's alleged failure to authorise Vice President Kashim Shettima to act as President after Tinubu's absence exceeded 21 days.
