Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has extended his working vacation in Europe by a few days and is expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend. Tinubu initially began his three-week vacation on August 30, traveling to London and later Paris, where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré. The Presidency stated that despite his extended stay abroad, Tinubu remains in touch with officials in Nigeria and continues to direct the country's affairs.
The extension of Tinubu's vacation has triggered fresh questions from former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, over the exercise of presidential authority. Atiku cited Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution, which provides for a written declaration to be transmitted to the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives when the President proceeds on vacation. This declaration allows the Vice-President to perform the functions of President as Acting President.
Atiku questioned who is currently exercising presidential authority in Nigeria, arguing that Tinubu's initial three-week leave had expired. He called on the National Assembly to clarify the situation if no declaration had been transmitted within the period specified by the Constitution. Atiku's concerns have sparked a fresh political and constitutional debate in Nigeria.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima is currently in New York, representing Nigeria at the 81st United Nations General Assembly. Shettima left Abuja on September 20 and is expected to deliver Nigeria's national statement at the global gathering. The Presidency stated that Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, will continue to represent Tinubu at official functions where necessary.
The Presidency has dismissed concerns raised over Tinubu's absence and non-attendance at the UN General Assembly. President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the insinuations surrounding the President's absence as irresponsible and said Shettima's representation at the UNGA was sufficient for Nigeria to participate in the high-level meeting.
The government has maintained that Tinubu has remained engaged with developments in Nigeria and continues to issue directives on matters of national importance. One example cited was Tinubu's directive for an independent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State.
President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend, amid preparations for the 2027 general elections, ongoing economic pressures, and renewed political debate over the administration's handling of issues ranging from petrol prices to insecurity and the deaths of suspected illegal miners in Niger State.
Key points
- President Bola Tinubu extends his working vacation in Europe, sparking debate over presidential authority.
- Atiku Abubakar questions who is exercising presidential authority, citing the Constitution.
- Vice-President Kashim Shettima represents Nigeria at the UN General Assembly in President Tinubu's absence.
