Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has questioned who is constitutionally in charge of Nigeria, 21 days after President Bola Tinubu left the country on a three-week vacation. Atiku, in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, September 21, 2026, said Nigerians are entitled to a clear answer on the transfer of power, as provided by the Constitution. He emphasized that Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution provides a clear procedure for presidential succession during vacations or incapacitation.
According to Atiku, the Constitution requires the President to transmit a written declaration to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives when proceeding on vacation, whereupon the Vice President performs the functions of President as Acting President. He explained that if the President fails to transmit the declaration within 21 days, the National Assembly shall, by a simple majority of each House, mandate the Vice President to perform the functions of President as Acting President. Atiku demanded that the Presidency should publish the letter transmitting authority to Vice President Kashim Shettima, if it exists.
The former Vice President described the issue as a matter of constitutional order, not political convenience, and expressed concern that both the President and his deputy are currently abroad. Vice President Shettima is representing Nigeria at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, marking the third consecutive UN General Assembly at which President Tinubu has delegated Nigeria's representation to his deputy. Atiku asked pointedly, "So again: who is exercising presidential authority in Nigeria today, and under what constitutional instrument?"
Atiku linked the leadership vacuum to current national challenges, including economic hardship and a recent tragedy in Niger State. He mentioned that 37 Nigerians died in NSCDC custody in Minna, an incident grave enough to trigger investigations, suspensions, and demands for independent scrutiny. At the same time, petrol is selling for as much as ₦1,500 per litre in parts of the country. He lamented that at a time of severe hardship, key leaders are outside the country without clear constitutional direction at home.
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, responded to Atiku's concerns, stating that the President can govern Nigeria from anywhere in the world. Bwala argued that the President's powers to govern Nigeria are not limited by his physical location. He emphasized that as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, the President can order, direct, delegate, and administer the constitution of Nigeria from anywhere in the world.
Bwala's comments came after Atiku questioned who was in charge of Nigeria following Tinubu's extended stay abroad. The Presidency has maintained that Tinubu continues to direct the affairs of government while abroad. The State House announced on Monday that the President had extended his working vacation by a few days and was expected to return to Nigeria soon.
Atiku insisted that President Tinubu's diplomatic engagements cannot replace constitutional procedure. He called on the Presidency, Senate President, and Speaker of the House to come clean on the status of the handover letter. Atiku concluded that Nigeria deserves accountable leadership, stressing that Nigeria is bigger than any President, especially at a time of severe economic hardship, rising energy costs, security challenges, and the shocking deaths of citizens in government custody.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar questions the leadership vacuum in Nigeria as President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima are abroad.
- The Presidency responds, stating that President Tinubu can govern Nigeria from anywhere in the world.
- Atiku demands clarity on the transfer of power, citing Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution.
