The prolonged absence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from Nigeria has sparked concerns ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council has promised that its candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, would provide a "physically present" and responsive presidency if elected. Atiku's campaign council assured Nigerians that he would not be an "absentee President" unavailable during challenges confronting the country.
Atiku's campaign council, led by Director of Media and Publicity Kola Ologbondiyan, gave the assurance while receiving the leadership of the Atiku Unity Movement. Ologbondiyan said Atiku had consistently demonstrated an understanding of Nigeria's economic and social challenges and proposed policy interventions to address them. He recalled Atiku's 2023 presidential campaign, where he advocated a phased approach to fuel subsidy withdrawal.
The African Action Congress (AAC) has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja to determine the constitutionality of Tinubu's extended vacation. The party's National Legal Adviser, Inibehe Effiong, filed a suit challenging Tinubu's failure to transmit a written declaration to the National Assembly before extending his vacation. The AAC seeks a declaration that Tinubu's alleged failure is unlawful and unconstitutional.
The AAC's suit also challenges the National Assembly's failure to pass a resolution authorizing Vice President Kashim Shettima to perform the functions of Acting President after 21 days. The party is seeking a perpetual injunction restraining Tinubu and future presidents from proceeding on vacation without complying with the Constitution. The suit has been marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2353/2026.
Meanwhile, the Presidency has dismissed concerns over Tinubu's prolonged absence, saying the President is "hale and hearty" and engaged with official responsibilities during his working vacation in Europe. Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Tinubu's physical absence did not prevent him from directing the affairs of government.
Onanuga's intervention followed renewed public debate over Tinubu's absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Opposition politician Peter Obi had questioned Tinubu's whereabouts and decision to remain outside the country. Onanuga said Tinubu does not need to be physically present in Abuja to do the work for which he was elected.
Atiku's commitment to governance focuses on addressing Nigeria's economic difficulties, improving citizens' welfare, and restoring confidence in public institutions. His recent economic proposals aim to reduce the burden of rising energy and living costs. The ADC presidential candidate has proposed a production-based intervention for petroleum products refined in Nigeria.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar promises a physically present presidency if elected.
- The African Action Congress challenges Tinubu's extended vacation in court.
- The Presidency assures that Tinubu is hale and hearty, working from Europe.
