Atiku Demands Explanation For Tinubu’s Third Straight UNGA Absence
Effiong says the president’s 21-day absence without a formal transfer of power leaves Nigeria without constitutionally recognized leadership.
- On Sunday, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar demanded explanations for President Bola Tinubu's repeated absences from the United Nations General Assembly, questioning the administration's reported $9 million lobbying expenditure and Tinubu's U.S. legal history.
- President Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for a working vacation, prompting critics to invoke Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates formal power transfer to the Vice President during extended presidential absences.
- Atiku cited forfeiture proceedings in U.S. court Case No. 4483 involving about $460,000, while a firm alleged Tinubu spent up to $9 million on lobbying; the Presidency dismissed such claims as "pure nonsense."
- Vice President Kashim Shettima departed Abuja on September 20 to lead Nigeria's delegation at the 81st UNGA, while critics argue presidential authority cannot be exercised remotely by appointees like Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume.
- Opposition figures warn these absences create a leadership vacuum, linking the travel to worsening insecurity and economic hardship as political debate shapes voter sentiment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
51 Articles
51 Articles
ADC: It's a national disgrace for Tinubu to be in France...
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) says it is a “national disgrace” for President Bola Tinubu to be vacationing in France while President Emmanuel Macron is in New York attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Tinubu, who is currently on annual vacation in Europe, had delegated Vice-President Kashim Shettima to attend the global event. This is the third consecutive time that Shettima would stand in for the president, a developmen…
Tinubu's third UNGA absence deepens controversy over US legal history
President Bola Tinubu’s decision to extend his working vacation in Europe by a few days, while Vice-President Kashim Shettima represents read more Tinubu’s third UNGA absence deepens controversy over US legal history
Nigeria: ADC Questions Who Is in Charge As Tinubu, Shettima Remain Abroad
Mr Abdullahi questioned the constitutional basis for the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, continuing to represent the president at official functions in the absence of both Tinubu and Shettima.
UNGA: Atiku challenges Tinubu as Shettima leads delegation
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has questioned President Bola Tinubu’s decision to miss the UN General Assembly for a third time, demanding answers. Read More: https://punchng.com/unga-atiku-challenges-tinubu-as-shettima-leads-delegation/
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