Akpabio Declares No Vacancy in Presidency Amid Tinubu's Absence

Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President and Chairman of the National Assembly, asserted that there is no vacancy in the Presidency, emphasizing that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains in charge despite his absence due to a vacation in Europe. Tinubu, who left Nigeria on August 30, 2026, for a three-week vacation, has extended his stay abroad, prompting concerns from political figures.

Bolaji Abdullahi, spokesman for the African Democratic Congress, criticized this absence as a "dangerous disregard for the Constitution," questioning who currently exercises presidential powers. Omoyele Sowore, Presidential Candidate of the African Action Congress, called for the National Assembly to invoke Section 145(2) of the 1999 Constitution to allow Vice-President Shettima to assume the role of Acting President.

Akpabio countered these claims by stating that Tinubu is still managing Nigeria's affairs from abroad and that discussions with international leaders continue. He maintained that there is no vacancy in the Presidency.