Atiku Abubakar Questions Tinubu's Extended Absence

Opposition leaders have raised concerns regarding President Bola Tinubu's extended absence from Nigeria, which has surpassed the originally announced three-week vacation that began on 30 August. Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), emphasized that Nigerians have a right to know the president's whereabouts, particularly as he has been away for 28 days.

He highlighted the constitutional implications of this absence, referencing Section 145 of the Constitution, which mandates that a president on vacation beyond 21 days must notify the National Assembly to allow the Vice President to assume presidential duties. Atiku questioned the lack of such a notification and suggested that the presidency should clarify whether it was transmitted.

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), also expressed concern over Tinubu's absence during significant events like the 81st United Nations General Assembly. Speculation has arisen regarding the reasons for Tinubu's extended stay in Paris, including potential medical issues.