Former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has called on the National Assembly to activate the constitutional process for Vice President Kashim Shettima to perform the functions of President in an acting capacity.
Sowore’s demand follows President Bola Tinubu’s continued stay outside Nigeria after the expiration of the initial 21-day period announced for his vacation.
Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30, 2026, for a three-week vacation. The Presidency subsequently announced that the President had extended his stay abroad by a few days.
Sowore argued that Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution provides a procedure for the temporary transfer of presidential functions when the President proceeds on vacation or is otherwise unable to perform the duties of his office.
According to him, the President is required to transmit a written declaration to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, enabling the Vice President to perform presidential functions in an acting capacity.
He further argued that where such a declaration is not transmitted within 21 days, Section 145(2) provides for the National Assembly to mandate the Vice President to perform the functions of President as Acting President.
Sowore therefore urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen to clarify whether the required constitutional declaration was received.
He also questioned whether any formal transfer of presidential authority to Shettima had been publicly established.
The call comes amid renewed debate over Tinubu’s prolonged absence from Nigeria, particularly as Shettima is also currently outside the country attending the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
However, Senate President Akpabio has rejected concerns about a leadership vacuum, maintaining that Tinubu remains in charge of the country despite being abroad.
Akpabio said the President continues to exercise presidential authority and can direct government affairs remotely, arguing that Tinubu’s physical absence from Nigeria does not mean that he has ceased to be President.
The Presidency has similarly maintained that Tinubu remains actively involved in government business while abroad and has continued to communicate with officials on national matters.
The controversy has nevertheless prompted renewed discussion among political actors and legal commentators over the interpretation and application of Section 145 of the Constitution.
Sowore maintained that the issue should be addressed through the constitutional provisions governing the temporary transfer of presidential functions.
