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Nigeria leadership and presidential absence concerns

Updated 4 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-09-22 20:25 UTC → 2026-09-23 05:23 UTC · added removed

The extension of President Bola Tinubu’s working vacation in Europe has intensified constitutional debates regarding the legality of his absence and the formal transfer of power. While the President met with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré in London and Paris, opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), have questioned whether the administration has complied with Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution. Critics argue that the law requires a written declaration to the Senate President and the House Speaker for vacations, after which the Vice President should assume the role of Acting President. Concerns have been raised that the simultaneous absence of both the President and Vice President Kashim Shettima—who is representing Nigeria at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York—creates a leadership vacuum. Opponents The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has characterized the absence as an ‘unacceptable abdication’ of mandate. The ADC further contend that a ‘working vacation’ is not described the situation as a recognized constitutional status. ‘dangerous disregard for the nation’s constitution.’ The Presidency, via Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, has dismissed these criticisms as ‘irresponsible’ and ‘baseless.’ The administration maintains ‘baseless,’ maintaining that Tinubu remains in charge and continues to direct national affairs remotely, citing his recent directive for an independent panel to investigate the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State as evidence of his ongoing involvement. Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume is also handling various official presidential duties during this period. remotely. Senate President Godswill Akpabio has since intervened to dismiss calls for Vice President Shettima to be appointed Acting President. Addressing President, rejecting claims from figures such as Omoyele Sowore that the constitutional 21-day threshold for presidential absence has expired, expired. Akpabio clarified that the President is on a ‘working leave’ and continues to direct that there is no vacancy in the country’s affairs from abroad. presidency. Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria this weekend.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-23 05:23 UTC Nigeria leadership and presidential absence concerns
  2. 2026-09-22 20:25 UTC Nigeria leadership and presidential absence concerns
  3. 2026-09-22 18:32 UTC Nigeria leadership and presidential absence concerns
  4. 2026-09-21 22:14 UTC Nigerian leadership and presidential absence concerns
  5. 2026-09-21 22:10 UTC Nigerian leadership and presidential absence concerns

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