ADC Demands Explanation Over Tinubu’s Prolonged Absence From Nigeria

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council has demanded clarification from the Presidency over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s prolonged absence from Nigeria, six days after the expiration of his originally announced three-week vacation.

In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, on Sunday, September 27, 2026, the ADC said the President had yet to return to Nigeria after the vacation was initially expected to end on September 21.

The campaign council said the Presidency owed Nigerians a clear explanation of the President’s current whereabouts, the reason for the extension of his stay abroad and the arrangements for the exercise of presidential authority during his absence.

“The office of the President is a public trust,” the statement said, adding that Nigerians were entitled to know where their President was and who was exercising presidential authority while he remained outside the country.

The ADC said the issue was particularly significant amid economic pressures, hardship and security challenges facing the country.

It called on the Presidency to provide “clear, verifiable information” on the President’s location and explain the constitutional arrangements governing the administration of the country during his absence.

The council also asked the Presidency to clarify the status of the President’s vacation and the constitutional basis for the current arrangement, particularly as his stay abroad had reportedly extended beyond the period initially communicated to Nigerians.

The ADC further expressed concern over reports that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, had continued to represent the President at official functions.

According to the council, while the Presidency might offer administrative explanations for the arrangement, Nigerians still required clarification on who was constitutionally and effectively in charge of the affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria while Tinubu remained abroad.

The ADC urged the Presidency to provide a comprehensive explanation, arguing that continued silence could fuel further public concern and speculation.

“President Tinubu was elected to lead Nigeria, and Nigerians have a legitimate expectation that the Presidency will keep them adequately informed about matters affecting the exercise of presidential authority,” the statement said.