Akpabio Declares No Vacancy in Presidency Amid Tinubu's Absence

Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate, stated that there is no vacancy in the Nigerian presidency, asserting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is still in power and directing the country's affairs from abroad. Speaking in Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio rejected calls for Tinubu to formally hand over power to Vice President Kashim Shettima, emphasizing that Tinubu's absence should not be misconstrued as a lack of governance.

He noted that Tinubu is on a working vacation, having left Nigeria on August 30, and has extended his stay. Akpabio highlighted Tinubu's recent engagement with French President Emmanuel Macron as evidence of the President's active involvement in official matters while abroad.

He stated that the issue of a vacancy could only arise if the constitutional process was triggered, and reiterated that Tinubu remains in control of Nigeria's governance.