Nigeria President Tinubu extends vacation amid constitutional debate

President Bola Tinubu has extended his working vacation in Europe, sparking a constitutional debate regarding the transfer of presidential authority in Nigeria. Having departed on August 30, the President’s absence has exceeded the 21-day threshold mentioned in Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution.

Opposition parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have criticized the move. The ADC described the situation as a “dangerous disregard for the nation’s constitution,” questioning whether the required written declaration to the Senate President and Speaker was transmitted to trigger the Vice-President’s role as Acting President. The PDP characterized the absence as an “unacceptable abdication” of mandate, particularly as the President is not attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar also raised concerns over who is constitutionally in charge. The controversy is heightened by the fact that Vice-President Kashim Shettima is also currently out of the country, traveling to New York to represent Nigeria at the UNGA.

The Presidency has defended the President’s actions, stating that Tinubu remains fully engaged in state affairs and continues to direct national matters from abroad. Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga dismissed criticisms as “baseless,” noting that the President is expected to return to Nigeria this weekend.