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The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar, has questioned President Bola Tinubu’s continued absence from Nigeria.

Atiku, through a statement issued by his media aide, asked what the President was still doing in Paris, France, after the expiration of his officially announced three-week vacation.

The former Vice President noted that French President Emmanuel Macron had continued to attend international engagements and return to France, while Nigeria’s President remained outside the country.

He expressed concern that Tinubu was still away from Nigeria despite the security, economic and cost-of-living challenges confronting the country.

Atiku also referred to Section 145(2) of the Nigerian Constitution, which provides that where a President fails to transmit the required declaration within 21 days, the National Assembly shall, by a simple majority of each House, mandate the Vice President to perform the functions of the President.

He argued that the President’s absence had now extended beyond the constitutional 21-day period.

According to Atiku, Tinubu has been away from Nigeria for 28 days, which is seven days longer than the 21-day period referenced in the constitutional provision.

“President Bola Tinubu left Nigeria on 30 August for what the Presidency described as a three-week annual vacation. That period expired days ago. His return was subsequently extended, and reports today indicate that his expected return today has been postponed yet again.

“The obvious question is: what exactly is keeping the President of Nigeria in Paris? So where is the letter? If it was transmitted, let the Presidency, Senate President or Speaker publish it.

“If no letter was transmitted, Nigerians deserve to know why the constitutional procedure has not been followed. We do not want to believe insinuations that the inner circle of Tinubu are scared of Shettima being handed the Acting President authority.

“Former President Muhammadu Buhari transferred presidential functions to Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on five occasions occasions during his tenure, including through formal Section 145 communications to the National Assembly,” he said.

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