- The Presidency has said President Bola Tinubu can continue to exercise his constitutional powers while outside Nigeria, amid questions over his prolonged absence from the country.
- Special Adviser Daniel Bwala said the President’s authority is not restricted by geography, while former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had raised questions about Section 145 of the Constitution.
The Presidency has said President Bola Tinubu can continue to govern Nigeria while outside the country, insisting that his constitutional powers are not restricted by his physical location.
Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, made the clarification in a post on X on Monday, September 21, amid questions from opposition figures over who is currently exercising presidential authority.
Bwala said Tinubu could continue to issue directives and exercise his constitutional responsibilities from abroad.
“It is funny how opposition candidates are asking the question who is in charge of Nigeria simply because the President and Vice President are out of the country.
“As commander in chief of the armed forces, he can order, direct, delegate and/or administer the constitution of Nigeria anywhere in the world,” Bwala said.
His comments followed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s call for clarification over Tinubu’s continued absence, including whether the President transmitted a written declaration under Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution.
Meanwhile, the Presidency announced that Tinubu had extended his working vacation by a few days and was expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend. It said he had remained in contact with officials and continued directing government affairs while abroad.