ADC Questions Tinubu's Absence and Constitutional Compliance

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised concerns about the constitutional implications of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima's absence from Nigeria. In a statement issued by the ADC's National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party highlighted that Tinubu has been outside the country since August 30, exceeding 21 days.

The ADC referenced Section 145 of the Constitution, which outlines the procedure for transferring presidential functions during a President's absence. They demanded clarification on whether Tinubu transmitted the required declaration before leaving.

The ADC criticized the National Assembly for not acting on this matter and dismissed claims that Tinubu's "working vacation" or the representation by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, sufficed for presidential authority. The party asserted that representation at events does not equate to governance and emphasized that Nigeria cannot be effectively governed through proxies or from abroad.