The 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed concerns over President Bola Tinubu's 21-day absence from Nigeria. Atiku, in a statement titled "Who is in charge of Nigeria?", referenced Section 145 of the Constitution, which outlines the procedures for the transfer of presidential functions when the President is on vacation. According to Atiku, the President is required to transmit a written declaration to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Atiku Abubakar stated that after the President transmits the written declaration, the Vice President performs the functions of the President as Acting President. He emphasized that the Constitution provides a further safeguard, mandating the National Assembly to direct the Vice President to perform the functions of President as Acting President if the President fails to transmit the declaration within 21 days. Atiku's comments come as President Tinubu has been on vacation in Europe since August 30.
President Tinubu's vacation was initially scheduled for three weeks as part of his annual leave. However, the Presidency announced on September 21 that he had extended his working vacation by a few days and would return to Nigeria at the weekend. Atiku Abubakar's criticism of President Tinubu's absence has raised questions about the continuity of governance in Nigeria.
Atiku Abubakar's statement highlights the importance of transparency and adherence to constitutional provisions in the exercise of presidential powers. According to him, Nigerians have not been shown any letter transmitting presidential authority to Vice President Kashim Shettima, despite President Tinubu's prolonged absence. This has sparked concerns about who is currently in charge of the country.
Section 145 of the Constitution is clear about the procedures for presidential vacations, according to Atiku Abubakar. He stated that the President's failure to transmit the written declaration within 21 days triggers the National Assembly's constitutional mandate to direct the Vice President to perform the functions of President as Acting President. Atiku's comments have generated significant interest and debate in Nigeria.
The development has implications for governance and the potential impact on the country's stability. Atiku Abubakar's criticism of President Tinubu's absence has also raised questions about the level of preparedness and contingency planning in place for such situations. The situation continues to unfold as President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria soon.
The Presidency has not officially responded to Atiku Abubakar's criticism, but the development has sparked a national conversation about the importance of constitutional governance and the need for transparency in the exercise of presidential powers. The incident has also highlighted the critical role of the National Assembly in ensuring accountability and good governance.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar criticizes President Bola Tinubu for 21-day absence from Nigeria, citing constitutional requirements for presidential vacations.
- President Tinubu extended his working vacation by a few days and is expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend.
- Atiku Abubakar's criticism raises questions about the continuity of governance in Nigeria and the need for transparency in the exercise of presidential powers.
