ADC Questions Tinubu’s Absence From UNGA, Demands Clarification on Constitutional Authority

By Nafiu Muhammad Lema

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s continued stay in France while world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, attend the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

The opposition party described the situation as a “national disgrace” and questioned the constitutional implications of the President’s prolonged absence from Nigeria.

In a statement, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said it was ironic that Tinubu remained in Paris on vacation while Macron had travelled to New York to represent France at the UNGA.

According to Abdullahi, the President’s absence has become particularly concerning as Vice-President Kashim Shettima is also outside the country to represent Nigeria at the global gathering.

He noted that this was the third consecutive UNGA in which Shettima had represented the President, arguing that the development raised questions about presidential responsibility and constitutional procedure.

The ADC spokesman also challenged the Presidency and the National Assembly to clarify who currently exercises the constitutional powers of the President.

Abdullahi cited Section 145 of the Nigerian Constitution, which provides for the President to transmit a written declaration to the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives when proceeding on vacation, enabling the Vice-President to perform the functions of Acting President.

He questioned whether such a declaration had been transmitted, alleging that Tinubu had been outside Nigeria since August 30 and had therefore exceeded 21 days away from the country.

The opposition party further rejected the description of Tinubu’s trip as a “working vacation”, arguing that the term does not alter the constitutional requirements governing presidential absence.

Abdullahi also dismissed the role of Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, in representing the President at official engagements, saying attendance at events on behalf of the President does not confer presidential constitutional powers.

“Representation is not governance,” Abdullahi said, insisting that presidential authority could not be transferred through official representation, telephone calls or statements issued from abroad.

The ADC said the matter was particularly important amid concerns over insecurity, unemployment and the rising cost of living, and called for clarification on the constitutional status of the President’s continued absence.

The party’s comments come as Vice-President Shettima represents Nigeria at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.