The camp of former vice-president and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has raised concerns over President Bola Tinubu's prolonged stay in France. Atiku's media aide, Paul Ibe, questioned the President's extended vacation and compliance with constitutional provisions governing presidential absence. Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for London, initially planning a three-week working vacation as part of his annual leave.
After spending about a week in the United Kingdom, Tinubu travelled to Paris, France, where he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré. The Presidency later announced that Tinubu had extended his stay abroad by a few days and was expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend. However, reports on Sunday indicated that his return had been postponed again, with Tuesday now being reported as the likely return date.
Ibe questioned what was keeping the President in France while Nigeria continued to face security, economic and cost-of-living challenges. He also raised constitutional questions concerning the President's absence, particularly Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution. This section requires the President to transmit a written declaration to the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives when proceeding on vacation or unable to discharge his functions.
According to Section 145(1), the President's declaration allows the Vice-President to perform the functions of President as Acting President during the period. Ibe argued that this provision becomes particularly relevant when a presidential absence exceeds 21 days, asking whether Tinubu had transmitted the required declaration to the National Assembly. He demanded clarification on this matter, citing the need for transparency.
Ibe referenced former President Muhammadu Buhari's administration, noting that presidential functions were transferred to then Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on several occasions during Buhari's tenure. These transfers included formal communications to the National Assembly under Section 145. He implied that a similar procedure should have been followed in Tinubu's case, given the length of his absence.
Speculation surrounding the reason for Tinubu's prolonged stay in France has been circulating, including reports suggesting that the President could be in the country for medical reasons. Ibe argued that such speculation made it more important for the Presidency to provide clarity on the President's prolonged absence. He emphasized that Nigerians deserved to know why the President had remained abroad beyond the period initially announced for his vacation.
The Presidency has maintained that Tinubu remained in contact with officials in Nigeria and continued to direct government affairs while abroad. As of September 27, it remains unclear whether the President will return to Nigeria on the newly reported date. Atiku's camp continues to demand answers regarding Tinubu's extended vacation and adherence to constitutional requirements.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar's aide questions President Tinubu's prolonged stay in France, citing constitutional concerns.
- The President's absence has sparked speculation about the reasons behind his extended stay abroad.
- The Presidency maintains that Tinubu has remained in contact with officials in Nigeria and continued to direct government affairs while abroad.
