Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised concerns about President Bola Tinubu's prolonged absence from Nigeria, questioning who is currently exercising presidential authority. Tinubu had announced a three-week vacation in Europe, starting August 30, 2026. According to Atiku, the President's absence has raised constitutional questions, particularly regarding the transfer of presidential authority under Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stated that the President's absence has not been accompanied by a written declaration to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, as required by the Constitution. This declaration is necessary for the Vice President to perform the functions of President as Acting President. Atiku emphasized that Nigerians have not been shown any such communication from Tinubu to Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The 21-day period announced for Tinubu's vacation has elapsed, and Atiku is demanding clarity on the constitutional procedure being followed. He argued that Section 145(2) provides a mechanism for situations where the President fails to transmit the required declaration within 21 days. Atiku called on the National Assembly to explain why this procedure has not been activated if no declaration was transmitted.
Atiku's concerns are heightened by the simultaneous absence of both the President and Vice President, as Shettima is currently in New York representing Nigeria at the 81st United Nations General Assembly. Atiku described this situation as requiring clarification, emphasizing that the country cannot be governed by assumptions or presidential social-media posts from abroad.
The Presidency has described Tinubu's stay in Europe as a working vacation, publishing details of his official engagements, including a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron. However, Atiku argued that such engagements do not resolve the constitutional questions surrounding the President's absence. He emphasized that Nigeria cannot be governed on autopilot and called for visible, accountable, and constitutionally grounded leadership.
Atiku linked his concerns to recent developments in the country, including the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the rising cost of petrol. He stressed that these are not ordinary times and that the country deserves clear and accountable leadership.
Atiku called on the Presidency to disclose whether Tinubu transmitted the required declaration under Section 145(1) before leaving Nigeria. He also asked the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives to clarify whether they received any communication from the President concerning the transfer of presidential authority.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar questions President Tinubu's absence, citing constitutional concerns.
- The President and Vice President are simultaneously absent, with Shettima attending the UN General Assembly.
- Atiku demands clarity on the constitutional procedure for transferring presidential authority.
