ADC: It’s a national disgrace for Tinubu to be in France while Macron is at UNGA

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned President Bola Tinubu for vacationing in France while his Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, is in New York, attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Tinubu is currently on annual vacation in Europe and has delegated Shettima to represent him at the global event. This is the third consecutive time Shettima has stood in for the president, sparking reactions, particularly from opposition groups.

ADC's National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, described the situation as a "national disgrace," questioning how Nigerians could accept their President being in one country while his host is away attending to more pressing matters. Abdullahi argued that the President's absence while Shettima is outside Nigeria constitutes a "dangerous disregard for the Constitution."

The ADC spokesman emphasized that Section 145 of the Constitution mandates the President to transmit a written declaration to the Senate and House of Representatives' leaders before departing for a 21-day vacation. Tinubu has been away from Nigeria for over 21 days, leading Abdullahi to demand to know whether the required declaration was sent.

The ADC rejected the Presidency's explanation that Tinubu was on a "working vacation" or that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, would represent him. Abdullahi dismissed this as "an absurdity," stating that representation does not grant constitutional powers and that attending events does not equate to exercising presidential authority.

He asserted that a "working vacation" does not exempt the President from his constitutional duties under Section 145. Abdullahi emphasized that Nigeria is a constitutional democracy and not a remote-operated business, rejecting any notion of the President directing national affairs from abroad.