{
  "id": 9186938,
  "title": "Akpabio defends Tinubu’s absence, says president still running Nigeria",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/akpabio-defends-tinubus-absence-says-president-still-running-nigeria",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-22T19:58:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/akpabio-defends-tinubus-absence-says-president-still-running-nigeria/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Senate President Godswill Akpabio has defended President Bola Tinubu's absence from Nigeria, asserting that the President is still in power and running the affairs of the country from abroad. Akpabio made the statement on Tuesday in Akwa Ibom State, dismissing concerns over Tinubu's stay in Europe. He clarified that the President is on a working leave and the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, is representing Nigeria at the United Nations General Assembly. Akpabio emphasized that there is no leadership vacuum, stating that Tinubu's absence is due to his current responsibilities. He also highlighted the advancements in technology that allow the President to continue governing remotely. Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria soon, after which he will commission various presidential projects.",
  "summary": "Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed concerns over President Tinubu’s absence, insisting there is no vacancy as he is still running Nigeria. Read More: https://punchng.com/akpabio-defends-tinubus-absence-says-president-still-running-nigeria/",
  "key_points": [
    "Senate President Akpabio defends Tinubu's absence from Nigeria",
    "Tinubu is running Nigeria from abroad, on working leave",
    "Vice President Shettima represents Nigeria at UN General Assembly"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Post Nigeria",
        "title": "Constitution doesn’t recognise ‘working’ vacation – ADC challenges National Assembly over Tinubu’s absence",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/constitution-doesnt-recognise-working-vacation-adc-challenges",
        "published": "2026-09-22T16:52:54.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Trust",
        "title": "Tinubu, Shettima’s absence: I’m not Acting President, says Akpabio",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/tinubu-shettimas-absence-im-not-acting-president-says-akpabio",
        "published": "2026-09-22T20:29:17.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "Akpabio defends Tinubu’s absence, says president still running Nigeria",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/akpabio-defends-tinubus-absence-says-president-still-running-nigeria-9191558",
        "published": "2026-09-22T20:42:40.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}