Tinubu’s prolonged absence from Nigeria sparks legal questions as lawyers, ADC and Peter Obi demand clarity over his extended vacation.
Lawyer Moves to Court Over Tinubu’s Absence
President Bola Tinubu’s prolonged absence from Nigeria has sparked fresh legal and political questions.Human rights lawyer Festus Ogun says he will sue the President over the delay.
Ogun announced the move on his verified X account on Sunday.
“First thing tomorrow morning, we will file a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Lagos to challenge this constitutional breach,” he wrote.
Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for a three-week working vacation in Europe. The Presidency later extended his stay by a few days.
However, reports now indicate that he will return to Nigeria on Tuesday, September 29.
ADC Demands Answers From Presidency
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has demanded clarity over Tinubu’s prolonged stay abroad.
The party said Nigerians deserve to know the President’s whereabouts and who exercises presidential authority during his absence.
According to the ADC, Tinubu’s original three-week vacation should have ended on September 21. The party also questioned the constitutional basis for the extended stay.
“The office of the President is a public trust,” the ADC said.
“Nigerians who elected President Tinubu are entitled to know where their President is.”
The party further asked the Presidency to explain why Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has represented Tinubu at some official events.
Obi Questions Tinubu’s UNGA Absence
Peter Obi also questioned Tinubu’s absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Obi raised the issue after watching Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama address the global gathering.
“Where is the President of Africa’s most populous nation, a country of more than 200 million people—more than Ghana—whose leader has been absent from the global stage for three consecutive UNGAs?” Obi asked.
Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the UNGA.
Obi acknowledged Shettima’s presence but said questions remained over Tinubu’s absence. He also prayed for the President’s safe return and effective leadership.
Tinubu Expected in Lagos for Independence Day
The Presidency says Tinubu will return through Lagos and mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary there.
He is expected to deliver a national broadcast on October 1.
The President will reportedly remain in Lagos for several days before returning to Abuja.
During his absence, Tinubu has continued receiving briefings and issuing directives. He also ordered an investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody.
As Tinubu prepares to return, attention will now shift to his Independence Day address and next official engagements.
