By Prince Dan Olaitan Dada
The announcement that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his working vacation in Europe while Vice President Kashim Shettima is in New York for the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), leaving the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, to continue representing the President at official functions, has generated mixed reactions across the country.
At 36 Political Elevation Group – 36 PEG, a political education platform with structures across the 36 States and the FCT, dedicated to promoting political literacy, civic engagement, constructive dialogue and hope in democratic governance, we have monitored the reactions across social media, radio call-in programmes and WhatsApp platforms. Many Nigerians have genuinely asked who is in charge, whether there is a vacuum in Aso Rock, and whether the SGF can exercise presidential powers, with some opposition voices citing Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution as amended and calling for transmission of power. As a group, we consider the anxiety understandable given the current economic and security challenges, but misplaced on the facts of this particular situation. This is not a constitutional crisis and should not be presented as one.
The clarification issued by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, was unambiguous. President Tinubu departed Nigeria on 30th August for London and later Paris where he held meetings with President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré. While away, he duly delegated Vice President Shettima to represent him at official engagements. With the Vice President now in New York on presidential instruction to present Nigeria’s National Statement and lead the nation’s delegation to UNGA 81, the SGF will continue to represent the President at domestic official functions. It is important to differentiate between representation at functions and the exercise of executive power. Representing the President to commission projects, receive delegations or attend ceremonies does not amount to exercising executive powers. Senator Akume is not signing bills into law, not chairing the Federal Executive Council, and not acting as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. Those powers remain with President Tinubu who continues to issue directives.
Governance in 2026 is largely digital and not strictly dependent on physical presence. The Presidency has demonstrated remote coordination even during this period. While on vacation, President Tinubu ordered an independent panel to investigate the tragic death of 37 illegal miners in Minna following their detention by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. The President has remained in contact with security chiefs and ministers, and the machinery of government has continued to run. What matters for stability is not the physical location of the President for a few days, but whether state institutions are functioning, and they are.
History and precedence also favour this arrangement. In September 2022, President Muhammadu Buhari was in New York for UNGA 77 while Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was in London for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, and the then SGF, Mr. Boss Mustapha, represented government at official events. No vacuum was declared and Nigeria remained stable. The current extension, according to the Presidency, is for a few days with return expected at the weekend.
Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, which provides for transmission of power when the President is unable to discharge the functions of his office or is away for a prolonged period leading to incapacitation, does not apply to this situation. A short extension of a previously approved working vacation does not meet the constitutional threshold of inability to discharge functions. The President has not declared inability, has not ceased to discharge his duties, and continues to give directives. What Nigerians should demand at this time is regular and transparent briefing from the Presidency to keep citizens adequately informed, not heating of the polity.
It must also be emphasized that Vice President Shettima is not on personal vacation. He is in New York on a national assignment on behalf of the President, executing a presidential directive. That assignment itself is evidence that executive authority is being properly delegated and exercised in line with democratic norms.
At 36 PEG, we understand the frustration of Nigerians arising from economic hardship and security concerns. Our core objectives remain political education, promotion of constitutional literacy, constructive engagement between citizens and government, and fostering hope and national stability. This administration has within two years embarked on difficult but necessary reforms, including push for local government autonomy, tax harmonization to stop double taxation and double levies that burden citizens and small businesses, and the introduction of the student loan scheme. These reforms require time, consistent monitoring and measurable deliverables in the areas of security, reduction in food prices and job creation.
Democratic stability requires us to differentiate between genuine constitutional breach and routine administrative representation. This is a moment for patience, factual engagement and unity, not fear. Nigerians should channel their energy towards demanding accountability, transparency and results, rather than creating a crisis where there is none.
There is no vacuum in Aso Rock. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Vice President Kashim Shettima remains his duly assigned representative on national duty at UNGA 81, and Senator George Akume as Secretary to the Government of the Federation continues to coordinate government activities in line with his statutory role.
Nigeria will be better. The work of nation building is ongoing both at home and abroad. Nigerians should keep hope alive, keep praying for the leadership, and keep holding government accountable with facts and patriotism.
Sanity Must Be It Across All Sectors Nationwide.
*Prince Dan Olaitan Dada*
*President,* 36 Political Elevation Group – *36 PEG*
*Contact:* 08133357222, 08022299952
*Email:* 36politicalelevationgroup@gmail.com
Lokoja, Kogi State
