ADC Questions Who Is Running Nigeria as Tinubu, Shettima Remain Abroad

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has questioned who is currently exercising the constitutional powers of the Nigerian President as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima remain outside the country.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party said Tinubu’s absence had exceeded 21 days, raising questions about whether the constitutional procedure for transferring presidential functions had been followed.

The ADC asked whether President Tinubu had transmitted the required written declaration to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, as referenced in Section 145 of the Nigerian Constitution.

The party also rejected the description of Tinubu’s trip as a “working vacation,” arguing that Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, cannot assume presidential powers simply by representing the President at official events.

According to the ADC, attending ceremonies or delivering speeches on behalf of the President does not confer the constitutional authority of the President or Acting President.

The party further argued that presidential authority cannot be transferred through remote communication, official representation or press statements issued from abroad.

The ADC also criticised Tinubu’s continued stay in Paris, France, while French President Emmanuel Macron was in New York attending the United Nations General Assembly.

The opposition party said the simultaneous absence of the President and Vice-President was concerning, particularly as Nigerians continue to face challenges including insecurity, unemployment and rising living costs.

The ADC therefore called on the Presidency and the National Assembly to clarify who is currently exercising the constitutional powers of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and under what provision of the Constitution.

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