Tinubu’s Extended Stay Abroad Draws Fresh Questions From Atiku, Obi, ADC

Tinubu’s Extended Stay Abroad Draws Fresh Questions From Atiku, Obi, ADC

President Bola Tinubu’s continued stay outside Nigeria has triggered fresh questions from opposition figures, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and the African Democratic Congress seeking clarity on the situation.

Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for what the Presidency initially announced as a three-week annual vacation.

He travelled first to London before moving to Paris, where the Presidency said he held meetings with French officials and business leaders.

The State House later announced that the President had extended his working vacation by a few days and would return to Nigeria at the weekend. As of Sunday, however, September 27, Tinubu had yet to return.

The development has since become a subject of political debate, particularly following the President’s absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, where Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria.

Atiku, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, questioned whether the constitutional procedure for a president spending more than 21 days away on vacation had been followed.

In a statement issued through his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku asked whether Tinubu had transmitted the required written declaration to the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives.

He referred to Section 145 of the Nigerian Constitution, which provides for the President to formally notify the National Assembly when proceeding on vacation and intending to be away for more than 21 days.

Atiku argued that Tinubu had now been outside Nigeria beyond the originally announced period and called on the Presidency or the National Assembly leadership to clarify whether the required communication had been made.

He also questioned reports suggesting that the President’s extended stay in France could be connected to medical reasons, saying the Presidency should provide Nigerians with a clear explanation rather than leave room for speculation.

The former vice president cited previous instances during Muhammadu Buhari’s administration when presidential functions were formally transmitted to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo during periods of Buhari’s absence.

Meanwhile, Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, also questioned Tinubu’s continued absence from the country.

In a post on X, Obi asked, “Where is Nigeria’s President?” while commenting on Ghanaian President John Mahama’s address at the ongoing UN General Assembly.

Obi noted that Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous country, was not represented at the highest level by its president at the gathering. He also pointed out that Tinubu had not personally attended the last three UN General Assembly meetings.

Although Shettima attended this year’s UNGA on behalf of the President, Obi maintained that questions about Tinubu’s absence remained.

Obi also criticised the practice of Nigerian political leaders travelling abroad for holidays and medical treatment, saying that he would remain in Nigeria for his vacation if elected president.

His comments came during political engagements in Delta State, where he and other NDC leaders continued mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.

The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council separately demanded clarification from the Presidency over Tinubu’s prolonged absence.

In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the ADC said Nigerians deserved clear information about the President’s location, the reason for the extended stay and the arrangements for the running of government.

The party said the issue had become particularly important because Tinubu’s absence had gone beyond the three-week period initially announced by the Presidency.

It also questioned the continued representation of the President at official engagements by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and asked who was constitutionally exercising presidential authority during the President’s prolonged absence.

The Presidency, however, has rejected concerns about Tinubu’s health or ability to discharge his duties.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said on Sunday that Tinubu was “hale and hearty” and had been on a working vacation.

According to Onanuga, modern communication technology means the President does not have to be physically present in Abuja to carry out his responsibilities.

He said Tinubu had continued official engagements while in France, including meetings with investors, and cited his involvement in efforts surrounding a proposed $7 billion deep-sea port project in Ogun Waterside.

The Presidency also noted that Tinubu had formally delegated Nigeria’s representation at the UNGA to Shettima.

Onanuga further pointed out that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi were also absent from this year’s UNGA, arguing that their absence had not produced similar concerns in their respective countries.

The Presidency has now said Tinubu will return to Nigeria this week to participate in activities marking the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

Onanuga also said the President would attend the Lagos premiere of a film commemorating the late MKO Abiola.

For now, the political argument remains centred on two separate issues: the Presidency’s explanation that Tinubu is working while abroad, and opposition demands for greater clarity over the constitutional arrangements surrounding his extended absence.