The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has voiced serious concerns regarding the absence of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima from Nigeria, labeling it a “very dangerous precedent.” Tinubu has been out of the country since August 30 for a working vacation, while Shettima traveled to New York on September 20 to represent the President at the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
The National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, criticized the current situation, questioning the constitutional grounding for Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, representing the President during their absence. Abdullahi remarked on a recent television appearance that the lack of clarity in succession is problematic. He asked if Akume is now acting as President, suggesting that such an arrangement demeans the Nigerian Constitution and the citizenry.
Despite these criticisms, the Presidency has stated that governance remains uninterrupted, asserting that Tinubu stays informed and continues to manage government affairs from abroad. They highlighted that Akume has taken on official duties in light of Shettima’s presence in New York.
Abdullahi stressed that the Constitution does not provide for a “working vacation” as a reason for the President to operate outside the country and suggested that the National Assembly should reconvene to address these pressing issues. However, he expressed skepticism about this happening, hinting that lawmakers may be too closely aligned with the President to take action.
