Atiku slams Tinubu over 21-day absence from Nigeria

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed strong disapproval of President Bola Tinubu's extended absence from Nigeria. In a statement titled "Who is in charge of Nigeria?", Atiku invoked Section 145 of the Constitution, which mandates the transfer of presidential duties during the President's vacations. The former Vice President contended that the Constitution necessitates the President to send a written notification to the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives before departing, after which the Vice President assumes the role of the Acting President.

Atiku noted that more than 21 days had passed since Tinubu's departure on August 30, and Nigerians had not received any written declaration transferring presidential authority to Vice President Kashim Shettima. He emphasized that failing to transmit the declaration within 21 days of departure triggers a secondary safeguard: the National Assembly, by a simple majority vote in both houses, can empower the Vice President to serve as Acting President.

President Tinubu embarked on a three-week vacation to Europe on August 30 as part of his annual leave. The Presidency confirmed on September 21 that Tinubu had extended his working vacation by a few days and would return to Nigeria at the weekend.