Godswill Akpabio denies vacancy in Nigerian presidency

Godswill Akpabio Bola Tinubu Nigerian Senate acting presidency Nigeria security

Nigerian Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed calls for Vice President Kashim Shettima to be appointed Acting President while President Bola Tinubu is abroad. Addressing controversy regarding Tinubu's absence from the Aso Rock Villa, Akpabio clarified that the President is on a “working leave” and continues to direct the country's affairs from abroad.

Akpabio rejected arguments from figures such as Omoyele Sowore, who claimed the constitutional 21-day threshold for the President's absence had expired. The Senate President maintained that there is no vacancy in the presidency, noting that the President can still provide instructions and engage in official matters remotely. Meanwhile, Vice President Shettima has traveled to the United States to represent Nigeria at the United Nations General Assembly.

In a separate development, Akpabio revealed he recently traveled to Italy for a spiritual pilgrimage. During his visit to the St Padre Pio site in San Giovanni Rotondo, he offered prayers for Nigeria, specifically seeking divine intervention against terrorism, banditry, and insecurity, as well as for the peaceful conduct of the 2027 general elections.

Entities

Aso Rock Villa · Bola Tinubu · Godswill Akpabio · Kashim Shettima · Senate of Nigeria

Claims

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

[● 2 SOURCES] President Bola Tinubu remains in power and is directing the affairs of Nigeria while on a working leave abroad. newscentraltv.com · www.naijanews.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Vice President Kashim Shettima traveled to the United States to represent Nigeria at the United Nations General Assembly. newscentraltv.com · www.naijanews.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Akpabio offered prayers for the peaceful conduct of Nigeria's 2027 general elections during his visit to Italy.
[DISPUTED] Omoyele Sowore argued that the 21-day constitutional threshold for the President's absence has passed, necessitating Vice President Kashim Shettima to be appointed Acting President. newscentraltv.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Senate President Godswill Akpabio traveled to Italy for a spiritual pilgrimage to pray for Nigeria's security and the 2027 elections.
[DISPUTED] There is no vacancy in the presidency because President Tinubu continues to exercise presidential powers from abroad. newscentraltv.com · www.naijanews.com