Tinubu’s Absence: ADC Demands Presidency’s Explanation
By Nafiu Muhammad Lema
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council has called on the Presidency to explain President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s continued absence from Nigeria, six days after his initially announced three-week vacation was expected to end.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the council expressed concern over what it described as inadequate public information regarding the President’s whereabouts, the extension of his vacation and the exercise of presidential authority during his absence.
The ADC argued that Nigerians deserved clear information about the President’s prolonged stay abroad, particularly at a time when the country was facing economic difficulties and persistent security challenges.
According to the council, the Presidency has a responsibility to disclose Tinubu’s current location, explain the circumstances surrounding his extended absence and clarify the constitutional arrangements governing the country while he remains overseas.
The opposition party maintained that the matter went beyond the President’s personal movements, raising questions about transparency and accountability in the exercise of executive authority.
The statement, signed by the council’s Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, also questioned the reported arrangement allowing Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, to continue representing the President at official engagements.
The council insisted that representation at official functions did not adequately address its concerns about who was constitutionally exercising presidential powers during Tinubu’s absence.
Meanwhile, the Presidency had announced on September 21 that Tinubu had extended his working vacation by a few days and was expected to return at the weekend.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said Tinubu remained in contact with government officials and continued to direct national affairs from abroad. He also confirmed that Vice-President Kashim Shettima and Akume had been delegated to represent the President at different official engagements.
The ADC, however, urged the Presidency to issue a comprehensive explanation of the President’s extended stay abroad, warning that a lack of clarity could encourage further public speculation.
