Atiku slams Tinubu over 21-day absence from Nigeria
Atiku Abubakar, the 2027 presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has voiced concerns regarding President Bola Tinubu’s extended absence from Nigeria.
In a statement titled “Who is in charge of Nigeria?”, Atiku referenced Section 145 of the Nigerian Constitution, which outlines the requirements for transferring presidential authority when the President goes on vacation.
Atiku emphasized that the Constitution mandates that the President must issue a written declaration to both the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives prior to leaving. In the absence of this notification, the Vice President assumes the role of Acting President.
As of now, Atiku noted that over 21 days have passed since President Tinubu departed for a three-week vacation in Europe on August 30, and no declaration has been provided to empower Vice President Kashim Shettima to act in his stead.
“The provisions of Section 145 are clear,” Atiku remarked. “If the President does not transmit the necessary declaration within 21 days, the National Assembly can, by a simple majority in each house, authorize the Vice President to act as President.”
President Tinubu’s initial vacation was announced to last three weeks, but the Presidency disclosed on September 21 that he has opted to extend his leave by a few additional days, with plans to return to Nigeria over the weekend.
