Tinubu’s Prolonged Absence Becomes 2027 Campaign Issue, as ADC Vows Atiku Would Be a “Physically Present” President and AAC Heads to Court

By: Tunji Okunlola

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s extended absence from Nigeria has become a live issue in the run-up to the 2027 presidential election, with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) pledging that its candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, would offer a “physically present” and responsive presidency if elected even as the Presidency insists Tinubu remains hale and hearty and continues directing government affairs from Europe, and the African Action Congress (AAC) has taken the matter to court.

ADC: Atiku Would Not Be an “Absentee President”

The ADC PCC assured Nigerians that Atiku would provide a physically present and responsive presidency if elected on May 29, 2027, promising that he would not become an “absentee President” unavailable at moments when national challenges demand presidential attention.

Director of Media and Publicity of the ADC PCC, Kola Ologbondiyan, gave the assurance while receiving the leadership of the Atiku Unity Movement (AUM), led by Francis Eburuwe, in Abuja. Ologbondiyan said Atiku had consistently shown an understanding of Nigeria’s economic and social challenges, recalling that during the 2023 presidential campaign, Atiku had advocated a phased approach to fuel subsidy withdrawal, arguing that the process should not place excessive pressure on ordinary Nigerians.

According to Ologbondiyan, the experience of the past three years has reinforced the need for a presidency that is accessible, responsive and capable of taking timely decisions in the national interest. “The country needs a President who understands the challenges confronting Nigerians and is physically available to respond to the demands of governance,” he said. “Nigeria cannot afford a situation in which there is uncertainty over who is effectively directing the affairs of government at critical moments. The country requires firm and focused leadership.”

He said Atiku’s governance agenda would centre on addressing the country’s economic difficulties, improving citizens’ welfare, and restoring confidence in public institutions, adding that the candidate’s recent economic proposals are aimed at easing the burden of rising energy and living costs. Atiku has publicly proposed a production-based intervention for petroleum products refined in Nigeria, structured around a fixed spending limit, National Assembly approval, and independent audits.

Speaking earlier, AUM leader Francis Eburuwe said his group was fully committed to Atiku’s candidacy and determined to mobilise Nigerians around what he described as the need for a change in the country’s political direction.

AAC Asks Court to Rule on Constitutionality of Tinubu’s Extended Vacation

Separately, the African Action Congress has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking a determination on whether Tinubu was constitutionally required to transmit a written declaration to the National Assembly before extending his time outside the country.

The suit, filed by the party’s National Legal Adviser and human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, also challenges the National Assembly’s failure to pass a resolution authorising Vice President Kashim Shettima to perform the functions of Acting President once the period specified under Section 145(1) of the 1999 Constitution had elapsed.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2353/2026; the AAC is asking the court to declare that Tinubu’s alleged failure to transmit the required written declaration to the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives is unlawful and unconstitutional. The party is also seeking a declaration that the National Assembly’s failure to pass a resolution enabling Shettima to assume Acting President functions after Tinubu’s vacation exceeded 21 days is itself contrary to the Constitution.

Defendants named in the suit include President Tinubu; the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; and the National Assembly.

In a 30-paragraph supporting affidavit, AAC National Secretary Oshiokhue Philip Ikpeminoghena stated that Tinubu travelled out of Nigeria on August 30, 2026, and subsequently announced an extension of his vacation on September 21. The party is also seeking a perpetual injunction restraining Tinubu and future presidents from proceeding on vacation without complying with Section 145(1), along with an order directing the relevant constitutional authorities to comply with the provisions governing the transfer of presidential functions whenever the president is unable to perform his duties.

The suit raises a constitutional question over how Section 145(1) should operate specifically, the circumstances under which the Vice President assumes Acting President functions when the substantive president is away from the country for an extended period.

The AAC’s 2027 presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, was present at the Federal High Court to witness the filing. No hearing date has yet been fixed.