Nigeria's President Tinubu faces debate over extended working vacation

Bola Tinubu constitutional breach working vacation National Assembly leadership vacuum

President Bola Tinubu's extended working vacation in Europe has sparked significant political debate regarding constitutional compliance in Nigeria. While the Presidency maintains that Tinubu remains in charge and is directing national affairs remotely, critics and opposition figures have raised concerns about a potential leadership vacuum.

President Tinubu, who departed Nigeria on August 30, has been traveling through London and Paris, where he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré. The Presidency announced that the President's stay has been extended and he is expected to return to Nigeria this weekend.

Controversy has arisen over whether the President has fulfilled the requirements of Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates a written declaration to the National Assembly when proceeding on vacation. While Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Arewa Think Tank have defended the President, stating there is no vacancy in Aso Rock, other figures have been more critical. The Save Democracy Group has called for the National Assembly to determine if Vice-President Kashim Shettima should assume acting powers, as the Vice-President is currently in New York representing the country at the United Nations General Assembly.

Entities

Arewa Think Tank · Bola Ahmed Tinubu · Emmanuel Macron · Godswill Akpabio · Kashim Shettima · Nigeria · United Nations General Assembly · Vincent Bolloré

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] Vice-President Kashim Shettima is representing Nigeria at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. matazarising.com · www.arise.tv · www.premiumtimesng.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Senate President Godswill Akpabio stated there is no vacancy in the presidency and that Tinubu remains in charge. www.arise.tv
[● 3 SOURCES] President Bola Tinubu has extended his working vacation in Europe and is expected to return to Nigeria this weekend. matazarising.com · www.premiumtimesng.com · dailytrust.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Save Democracy Group has called on the National Assembly to decide if the Vice-President should assume presidential functions. www.premiumtimesng.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Chidi Odinkalu criticized the simultaneous absence of the President and Vice-President from Nigeria as a leadership issue. www.gistmania.com
[● 3 SOURCES] President Tinubu departed Nigeria for London on August 30 to begin his annual leave. matazarising.com · www.premiumtimesng.com · dailytrust.com
[● 3 SOURCES] During his trip, President Tinubu met with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré in Paris. matazarising.com · www.premiumtimesng.com · blueprint.ng
[○ 1 SOURCE] SDP candidate Adewole Adebayo called for President Tinubu's impeachment, alleging a constitutional breach regarding his absence.