Opposition Challenges Tinubu's Leadership During Extended European Vacation

Opposition leaders and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have raised constitutional concerns over the simultaneous absence of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima from Nigeria. President Tinubu has been on a working vacation in London and Paris since August 30, while Vice President Shettima traveled to New York to represent the country at the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

Atiku Abubakar and the ADC argue that the Presidency failed to produce a written declaration transmitting authority to the Vice President as required by Section 145 of the Constitution. They specifically challenge the legality of Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume handling official engagements at home, with ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi suggesting the arrangement creates a dangerous precedent and potential grounds for impeachment.

The Presidency has dismissed these claims as baseless, asserting that the president's power to govern is not limited by geography. Special Adviser Daniel Bwala maintained that as Commander-in-Chief, Tinubu can administer the constitution from anywhere in the world. The government noted that Tinubu remains actively engaged in state affairs, including ordering an investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State.

While the ADC characterized the situation as a national disgrace, the Presidency announced that Tinubu has extended his stay in Europe by a few days and is scheduled to return to Nigeria this weekend.