Ibe Questions Tinubu's Extended Stay in Paris Amid Crisis

Paul Ibe, the media adviser to Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, has raised concerns regarding President Bola Tinubu's prolonged absence from Nigeria. Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30, 2026, for what was described by the Presidency as a three-week annual vacation.

However, his return has been postponed multiple times, leading Ibe to question the reasons for Tinubu's continued stay in Paris amidst Nigeria's pressing security, economic, and cost-of-living challenges. Ibe highlighted the constitutional requirement under Section 145(1) that mandates a President on vacation for over 21 days to transmit a written declaration to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, allowing the Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, to act as President.

As of now, Tinubu has been absent for 28 days without such a declaration, prompting Ibe to demand clarity from the Presidency regarding compliance with constitutional procedures.