Tinubu’s foreign stay: Adebayo campaign raises constitutional concerns

The Adewole Adebayo-Bugaje Presidential Campaign Council has accused President Bola Tinubu of violating the 1999 Constitution over his prolonged stay outside Nigeria.

The campaign council made the allegation in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday by its Chief Communications and Media Adviser, Mark Adebayo.

It claimed that Tinubu’s absence had created a constitutional vacuum, arguing that the country could not be effectively governed remotely amid economic difficulties and security challenges.

The council alleged that the President breached Section 145(1) of the Constitution, which provides for the transmission of a written declaration to the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives when the President proceeds on vacation or is unable to perform his duties.

According to the campaign, such a declaration allows the Vice President to perform the functions of the President during the period of absence.

The council argued that Tinubu had stayed away for more than 21 days without formally transmitting power.

It said the situation amounted to a disregard for constitutional requirements and accused the President of acting above the law.

The campaign also criticised the National Assembly for failing to invoke Section 145(2), which provides for the Vice President to act as President if the President does not transmit a declaration after the stipulated period.

It accused lawmakers of neglecting their oversight responsibilities and enabling what it described as executive disregard for constitutional provisions.

The Adebayo-Bugaje campaign called on Nigerians to use the 2027 general election to vote against Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress.

It said protests alone would not address what it described as institutional weaknesses in the country.

The campaign presented SDP presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo as an alternative, promising a government based on constitutional compliance and accountability.

It said an SDP administration would ensure that the president remains accessible and accountable to Nigerians.

The council added that Adebayo had pledged to uphold and defend the Constitution if elected president in 2027.