ADC and Makinde Accuse Tinubu of Constitutional Breach

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde have accused President Bola Tinubu of violating the Nigerian Constitution by failing to transmit power to Vice President Kashim Shettima during his extended vacation. President Tinubu, who left Nigeria on August 30, had initially taken a 21-day working vacation, which he extended by an additional week while in France.

The ADC's National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, referenced Section 145 of the Constitution, which mandates the President to inform the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives when proceeding on vacation for over 21 days. The ADC demanded clarification on whether such a declaration was made, criticizing the National Assembly for potentially ignoring this constitutional requirement.

Makinde echoed these sentiments, stating that he follows similar protocols as a state governor and questioned why the same standards do not apply at the national level. The ADC also condemned the situation as a "national disgrace," particularly noting that French President Emmanuel Macron was attending the UN General Assembly while Tinubu was vacationing.