Tinubu Can Govern Nigeria From Anywhere – Presidency

The Presidency has said President Bola Tinubu can continue to govern Nigeria while outside the country, responding to questions raised by presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi about who is currently in charge of the country.

Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, made the statement on Tuesday amid Tinubu’s ongoing stay in Paris and Vice President Kashim Shettima’s trip to the United States for the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

Bwala was reacting to concerns raised by Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, and Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, regarding the absence of both the President and Vice President from Nigeria at the same time.

According to the presidential aide, the fact that Tinubu is outside Nigeria does not prevent him from carrying out his constitutional duties as President.

Bwala referred to Section 5 of the Nigerian Constitution, which provides that the executive powers of the Federation are vested in the President and may be exercised directly or through the Vice President, ministers and other authorised public officers.

He argued that the President’s constitutional authority is therefore not restricted by his physical location and maintained that Tinubu can issue directives, delegate responsibilities and carry out his functions while outside the country.

Bwala also criticised Atiku and Obi over what he described as a lack of a clearly defined alternative to the current administration. He said their comments about who is running the country amounted to political rhetoric rather than a presentation of a different approach to governance.

The development comes as attention remains focused on the movements of Nigeria’s top political office holders, with Tinubu currently in France while Shettima is attending the United Nations General Assembly in the United States.

The Presidency maintained that the President remains constitutionally empowered to perform his duties regardless of where he is physically located.

Section 5 of the Constitution states that the executive powers of the Federation are vested in the President and may be exercised either directly or through the Vice President, ministers or other federal public officers, subject to the Constitution and laws made by the National Assembly.

Bwala’s response adds to the political debate ahead of the 2027 general elections, as opposition figures continue to question aspects of the Tinubu administration while the Presidency defends its record and method of governance.