In a statement issued on Monday, September 21, 2026, the group alleged that Tinubu had violated Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution by extending his stay in Europe without transmitting a written declaration to the National Assembly handing over presidential functions to Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The group described the situation as a “constitutional coup” and demanded that the National Assembly take action.
The development comes after the Presidency announced on Monday that Tinubu had extended his working vacation by a few days and would return to Nigeria at the weekend. According to the Presidency, Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for London before moving to Paris, where he met French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.
The group cited Section 145 of the Constitution, which provides for the transmission of a written declaration by the President to the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives when the President proceeds on vacation or is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office.
It also relied on the provision dealing with situations where such a declaration is not transmitted within 21 days, arguing that the National Assembly should then mandate the Vice President to perform the functions of President as Acting President.
The group alleged that Nigerians had not been shown any such handover letter and therefore questioned who is currently exercising presidential authority.
The position echoes concerns separately raised by Atiku Abubakar, who on Monday questioned the constitutional status of Tinubu’s continued absence and asked whether a formal declaration had been transmitted to the National Assembly.
The controversy has been heightened by the fact that Vice President Kashim Shettima is currently in New York leading Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
The Presidency confirmed that Shettima is representing Tinubu at the global gathering and is scheduled to deliver Nigeria’s national statement.
The Presidency also said that Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, would continue representing the President at official functions while Shettima is away.
The Presidency has rejected the broader claims surrounding Tinubu’s absence.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Tinubu had remained in contact with developments in Nigeria and continued directing government affairs while abroad.
The Presidency pointed to the President’s directive ordering an independent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna as one example of Tinubu’s involvement in domestic affairs during his absence.
It also described insinuations surrounding Tinubu’s non-attendance at the UN General Assembly as baseless and irresponsible.
Despite the Presidency’s position, “Atiku Is For The People” urged Akpabio to immediately invoke what it described as his constitutional responsibility and begin impeachment proceedings against Tinubu for alleged gross misconduct and breach of the Constitution.
The group further threatened nationwide protests if, according to its statement, the Senate President failed to act.
The allegations and impeachment demand remain the position of the Atiku-backed movement. Whether Section 145 has been complied with, and what legal consequences may follow from the President’s extended absence, are matters of constitutional and legal interpretation.
The Presidency has not announced that Tinubu has transferred presidential powers to Shettima during the current extension, but it maintains that the President remains engaged in the running of government and is expected back in Nigeria at the weekend.
Comments
Post a Comment