ADC Questions Tinubu and Shettima's Presidential Authority

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised concerns regarding the simultaneous absence of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima from Nigeria, questioning who is constitutionally exercising presidential authority during their time abroad. ADC's National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made these remarks on Channels Television’s Politics Today, highlighting that Tinubu is in France on an extended working vacation and Shettima is in New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

Abdullahi challenged the Federal Government's assertion that Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, would represent the President at official functions, questioning Akume's constitutional authority to exercise presidential powers. He referenced Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines the procedure for transferring presidential functions to the Vice President during the President's absence.

Abdullahi called for the National Assembly to reconvene to address this constitutional issue, comparing the situation to the prolonged absence of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, which led to the "Doctrine of Necessity.".