Tinubu can govern Nigeria from anywhere — Presidency

Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, has stated that President Tinubu can govern Nigeria from any location worldwide. Bwala's assertion comes in response to questions from opposition figures regarding who holds authority in Nigeria as Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima are currently abroad.

Bwala's stance suggests that the President's constitutional powers to govern are not confined by physical location. He emphasized that as the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, Tinubu can issue orders and direct the nation's affairs regardless of his geographical position.

This claim follows former Vice President Atiku Abubakar's questioning of who is in charge of Nigeria following Tinubu's prolonged absence from the country. Atiku specifically asked if Tinubu had provided a written declaration under Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution, which requires the President to inform the Senate President and House of Representatives Speaker of his vacation plans or inability to carry out duties if he is unable to perform his office's obligations.

The Presidency has affirmed that Tinubu maintains control over government affairs while he is overseas. The State House confirmed on Monday that Tinubu extended his so-called "working vacation" by a few days and intends to return to Nigeria at the end of the week.