Lawmakers Demand Action on Tinubu's Extended Absence

Some lawmakers in Nigeria's House of Representatives have raised concerns regarding the constitutional implications of President Bola Tinubu's extended absence from the country. The president initially departed on 30 August 2026 for a three-week vacation, which has since been extended.

The lawmakers, represented by Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante (Rep, Andoni/Opobo Nkoro) (NDC, Rivers State) and Hon. Abubakar Yahaya (APC, Katsina), urged the immediate reconvening of both Chambers of the National Assembly to address the situation. They emphasized the need for compliance with Section 145(2) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates that if the president fails to transmit a written declaration of his absence within 21 days, the National Assembly must act to appoint the Vice-President as Acting President.

The lawmakers questioned whether the required declaration was transmitted and insisted that constitutional procedures must be followed, regardless of the president's ability to communicate from abroad.