African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has questioned the prolonged stay of President Bola Tinubu in Paris, France, following the reported expiration of his official three-week vacation.
In a statement issued through his media aide, Atiku questioned why Tinubu remained in France after the end of the holiday period, particularly as Nigeria continues to face security, economic and cost-of-living challenges.
Atiku also compared Tinubu’s absence with the activities of French President Emmanuel Macron, noting that Macron had attended France’s international engagements before returning to the country.
“President Bola Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 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 arrival has been postponed yet again,” the statement read in part.
Atiku questioned the reason for the President’s continued stay in Paris and also raised concerns over whether the President had formally transmitted a letter to the National Assembly transferring presidential authority to Vice President Kashim Shettima.
“The obvious question is: what exactly is keeping the President of Nigeria in Paris? Where is the letter? If it was transmitted, let the Presidency, Senate President, or Speaker publish it,” he said.
He added that if no letter had been transmitted, Nigerians should be informed why, in his view, the constitutional procedure had not been followed.
“We do not want to believe insinuations that the inner circle of Tinubu is scared of Vice President Shettima being handed Acting President authority,” Atiku said.
The former vice president cited the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, saying Buhari transferred presidential functions to then Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on five occasions during his tenure, including through formal communications to the National Assembly under Section 145 of the Constitution.
