ADC Questions Tinubu’s Absence, Seeks Clarification on Constitutional Powers

The African Democratic Congress has questioned the continued absence of President Bola Tinubu from Nigeria, with Vice President Kashim Shettima also out of the country, and called on the Presidency and National Assembly to clarify who is currently exercising the president’s constitutional powers.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 and has now been away for more than 21 days.

The opposition party cited Section 145 of the Constitution, which provides for the president to transmit a written declaration to the Senate president and Speaker of the House of Representatives when proceeding on vacation or otherwise unable to discharge his functions. It also provides that where such a declaration is not transmitted within 21 days, the National Assembly may, by resolution, mandate the vice president to perform the functions of president as Acting President.

The ADC therefore asked whether Tinubu transmitted the required declaration and, if not, why the National Assembly had not acted under the constitutional provision.

The party also rejected the Presidency’s explanation that Tinubu is on a “working vacation” and that Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, would continue to represent him at official engagements.

According to the ADC, attending events or delivering speeches on behalf of the president does not amount to exercising the constitutional powers of the president or Acting President.

The party’s comments come as Vice President Shettima is in New York representing Nigeria at the 81st United Nations General Assembly, while Tinubu remains in Paris as part of his extended working vacation.

The ADC also criticised Tinubu’s decision to remain in Paris while French President Emmanuel Macron is in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, describing the situation as a “national disgrace.”

The party said the simultaneous absence of the president and vice president was particularly concerning given what it described as challenges involving insecurity, unemployment and the cost of living.

It called on the Presidency and National Assembly to provide a direct answer on who currently exercises the constitutional powers of the president and under what provision of the Constitution.