Opposition Firestorms Presidency Over Tinubu’s Extended France Trip
Nigeria’s political space is heating up as key opposition figures demand clear answers regarding President Bola Tinubu’s extended stay abroad.
Opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), have raised serious concerns over the President’s absence. They claim the delay violates Section 145 of the Nigerian Constitution and leaves the nation without clear executive leadership during challenging economic times.
The Presidency, however, has dismissed the criticism, maintaining that President Tinubu is healthy, actively working, and expected back home shortly.
Atiku Raises Constitutional Questions Over Extended Vacation
Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), questioned why President Tinubu remains in Paris past his announced return date.
According to Atiku, President Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for what was originally described as a three-week annual vacation. With the original timeline expiring after 21 days, Atiku noted that the President has now been away for nearly a month without official handover procedures.
“There is a constitutional question that cannot simply be wished away,” Atiku stated through his media team. “Section 145(1) of the Constitution requires a President proceeding on vacation beyond 21 days to transmit a written declaration to the Senate President and Speaker of the House to enable the Vice President to act as President.”
Atiku challenged the National Assembly and the Presidency to publish any formal transmission letter if one exists. He stressed that Nigeria cannot be left without an acting leader while facing severe security and economic pressures.
Peter Obi Questions Absence From UN General Assembly
Similarly, presidential candidate Peter Obi took to social media to query the President’s whereabouts. Obi raised concerns over Nigeria’s missing voice on the global stage, pointing out that President Tinubu did not attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
Reflecting on the speech delivered by Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, Obi asked why Africa’s most populous nation lacked direct representation by its head of state for three consecutive UN General Assembly meetings.
While acknowledging that Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at UNGA, Obi argued that the President’s direct presence remains crucial for effective international diplomacy and national leadership.
ADC Campaign Council Demands Immediate Transparency
The ADC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) also issued a firm demand for full transparency.
Spokesperson Kola Ologbondiyan stressed that the public deserves to know who is officially directing the country’s affairs while the President remains abroad.
The party called on the government to clarify:
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The precise location and physical status of the President.
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The formal reasons for extending his vacation past September 21.
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The exact constitutional powers currently assigned to Vice President Shettima and Cabinet officials.
Presidency Responds: “Tinubu is Hale, Hearty, and Working Remotely”
In response to the mounting pressure, the Presidency strongly refuted claims of a constitutional breakdown or health crisis.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga reassured the public that President Tinubu is in high spirits and performing executive duties remotely.
Key points from the Presidency’s defense include:
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Remote Governance: Onanuga noted that modern technology allows the President to discharge his official duties from anywhere in the world.
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Economic Engagements: During his time in France, President Tinubu met with international investors to finalize major national projects, including a $7 billion deep-sea port initiative for Ogun State.
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Global Precedent: The Presidency highlighted that other world leaders, such as South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa and Egypt’s Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, have also skipped UNGA sessions without triggering political crises in their home countries.
Onanuga confirmed that President Tinubu will return to Nigeria this week to lead the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary celebrations and participate in national events in Lagos.
