The African Democratic Congress has called on the Presidency to explain President Bola Tinubu’s continued absence from Nigeria after his originally announced three-week vacation was extended beyond its scheduled end. The ADC Presidential Campaign Council said the President’s vacation was initially expected to end on September 21, but Tinubu remained outside the country as of […]
The African Democratic Congress has called on the Presidency to explain President Bola Tinubu’s continued absence from Nigeria after his originally announced three-week vacation was extended beyond its scheduled end.
The ADC Presidential Campaign Council said the President’s vacation was initially expected to end on September 21, but Tinubu remained outside the country as of September 27.
Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for London and later travelled to Paris, France, where he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.
The Presidency announced on September 21 that Tinubu’s working vacation had been extended by a few days, saying he would return to Nigeria at the weekend.
His return was later delayed, with the Presidency indicating that the President is now expected to return on Tuesday, September 29.
During Tinubu’s absence, Vice-President Kashim Shettima represented him at several official engagements before travelling to New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
The ADC said Nigerians should be provided with information on Tinubu’s current location, the reason for the extension and the constitutional arrangements under which presidential responsibilities are being exercised while he remains abroad.
The party also raised questions about the continued representation of the President by SGF George Akume at official events, arguing that the Presidency should clarify the constitutional basis for the arrangement.
However, the Presidency has maintained that Tinubu remains in charge of government and continues to work while on his annual vacation.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said Tinubu is “hale and hearty” and argued that modern technology allows the President to carry out his official responsibilities without being physically present in Abuja.
The Presidency also defended Tinubu’s decision not to attend the UN General Assembly in person, noting that he had delegated Shettima to represent Nigeria at the event.
According to the Presidency, Tinubu is expected back in Nigeria this week and is scheduled to resume physical engagements ahead of the country’s 66th Independence anniversary.