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Akpabio Says Tinubu Remains in Charge Despite Extended Stay Abroad

Published

1 month ago

September 23, 2026

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s continued stay outside Nigeria, insisting that there is no leadership vacancy at the presidential level.

Akpabio spoke on Tuesday in Akwa Ibom State while inaugurating road projects executed by Governor Umo Eno.

He said he was not acting president because Tinubu remained in office and continued to direct the affairs of the country despite being abroad on what the Presidency described as a working vacation.

“I am the Senate President, and I am not the acting President of Nigeria because President Tinubu is still in power,” Akpabio said.

According to him, Tinubu’s physical absence from Nigeria does not mean that presidential powers have been transferred or that there is a leadership vacuum.

“He is on a working leave, and there is no absence in Aso Rock. The world is a global village, and one can give instructions over the internet,” Akpabio said.

The Senate President also pointed to Tinubu’s recent diplomatic engagements, including his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, as evidence that the President remained involved in government affairs.

He also explained that Vice President Kashim Shettima’s attendance at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York was because Tinubu could not attend the event.

Akpabio insisted that there was currently no vacancy in the presidency and that Tinubu remained responsible for running the country.

“Right now, there is no vacancy. Asiwaju Tinubu is still in power, and he is still running the affairs of Nigeria,” he said.

The comments come amid renewed public debate over Tinubu’s extended stay abroad. The Presidency had announced that the President’s three-week working vacation, which began on August 30, had been extended by a few days, with his return expected at the weekend.

While the Presidency has maintained that Tinubu continues to direct government affairs from abroad, some opposition groups and political actors have questioned whether the circumstances require a formal transfer of power to the Vice President under the Constitution.

Akpabio, however, maintained that Tinubu remained in charge and that his absence from the country should not be interpreted as an absence from office.

Related Topics:Akpabio in Charge Stay Abroad Tinubu

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PLATEAU STATE: IS THERE PEACE, OR ONLY THE ABSENCE OF VIOLENCE?

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PMYA @12 — THE STANDARD: Plateau State Governorship Candidates’ Manifesto & Leadership Dialogue Holds 10 January 2027 in Jos

Published

1 hour ago

November 7, 2026

PlateauReports

BEYOND POLITICS. BEYOND PROMISES. LET’S TALK ABOUT THE FUTURE OF PLATEAU.

For over a decade, the Plateau Man of the Year Awards has celebrated individuals and institutions whose leadership, service and achievements have made a meaningful difference.

But leadership is not only about recognition.

It is about vision.
It is about ideas.
It is about responsibility.
And it is about the future we are building.

As Plateau State approaches the 2027 elections, PMYA @12 — THE STANDARD will introduce a special feature:

PLATEAU STATE GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATES’ MANIFESTO & LEADERSHIP DIALOGUE

A non-partisan, issue-based platform where participating governorship candidates will have an equal opportunity to present their vision, policy priorities and leadership agenda for the future of Plateau State.

No endorsements.
No partisan preference.
No special treatment.

Equal platform. Equal opportunity. Equal time.

The conversation will focus on the issues that matter:

Governance.
Peace & Security.
Economic Development.
Youth Empowerment.
Education.
Healthcare.
Infrastructure.
Tourism.
Investment.
Sustainable Development.

Because before we choose leaders, we deserve to hear their ideas.

Before we debate personalities, we should examine their vision.

And before the votes are cast, Plateau deserves a meaningful conversation about its future.

This is not a campaign platform.

It is a platform for ideas, accountability and leadership.

The key commitments and policy priorities presented during the dialogue will be documented as part of the public conversation on Plateau State’s future.

PMYA @12 — THE STANDARD

Leadership Beyond Politics: Building a Legacy for Future Generations.

10 January 2027
Jos, Plateau State

News

We are yet to receive court judgment on ADC leadership crisis – INEC

Published

1 hour ago

November 7, 2026

PlateauReports

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has said it is yet to receive the Certified True Copy, CTC, of the Federal High Court judgment nullifying the leadership of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, led by former Senate President David Mark.

The commission also dismissed reports that it had removed former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, Rotimi Amaechi, from its online portal, describing the claims as unfounded.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, disclosed this to journalists in Abuja on Friday.

Haruna said the commission had neither reviewed the judgment nor determined what steps to take because it had not officially obtained the court document.

He explained that obtaining a Certified True Copy of a court judgment could take several days, adding that it usually takes about a week to secure such documents.

The clarification comes shortly after Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja nullified the David Mark-led leadership of the ADC and invalidated decisions taken by the disputed leadership, including the process through which the party produced its candidates for the 2027 general elections.

The judgment followed a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman of the party representing the North-East, who challenged the emergence of the Mark-led leadership.

The court ruled that the process through which the leadership assumed office failed to comply with relevant provisions of the Electoral Act, leading to the nullification of its actions.

However, the ADC has rejected the ruling and announced plans to challenge it at the appellate court.

The party also said it had filed an application seeking a stay of execution pending the determination of its appeal.

It urged INEC not to take any steps based on the judgment that could affect its political activities or prejudice the ongoing legal process.

The ADC further disclosed that it had formally informed the electoral commission of its appeal and the application for a stay of execution.

We are yet to receive court judgment on ADC leadership crisis – INEC