Atiku Abubakar Questions Nigeria's Leadership During Tinubu's Absence

Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, has raised concerns about the constitutional authority in Nigeria during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's 21-day vacation abroad, which began on August 30, 2026. In a statement issued by his media aide, Paul Ibe, on September 21, 2026, Atiku questioned both the Presidency and the National Assembly about who is exercising presidential powers in Tinubu's absence.

He noted that Section 145 of Nigeria's constitution mandates the President to send a written declaration to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House when proceeding on vacation, allowing the Vice President to act as President. As of September 21, no such declaration had been made public.

Atiku pointed out that the Vice President was in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, further complicating the leadership situation. He called for immediate confirmation from the Presidency and the National Assembly regarding the declaration's status, emphasizing the urgency due to recent security incidents and rising petrol prices in Nigeria.