…as Tinubu extends working vacation amidst VP’s absence
By Chucks Nwonye
Senate President and Chairman of the National Assembly, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has dismissed rumours suggesting that he is acting as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, insisting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains in power and in full control of the affairs of the country.
Akpabio made the clarification while reacting to insinuations in some quarters that a vacancy exists at the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, following President Tinubu’s recent working leave.
Speaking on the matter, the Senate President said, “I am the Senate President and chairman of the National Assembly… I am not the acting president because the president is still in power. He is on a working leave… There is no vacancy at Aso Rock. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is still in power and running the affairs of Nigeria.”
The Senate President’s statement comes amid speculations on social media and in some political circles over the status of the presidency during President Tinubu’s absence from the country. Some reports had attempted to create an impression of a power vacuum or a transition of executive powers to the National Assembly leadership.
Akpabio, however, described such insinuations as false, misleading and capable of causing unnecessary tension in the polity. He emphasized that the President is only on a working leave and continues to perform his constitutional responsibilities, including giving directives and overseeing governance.
According to him, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is clear on procedures for transfer of power, and no such procedure has been activated because there is no basis for it.
He reassured Nigerians that governance has not been stalled and that the executive arm of government remains functional, with President Tinubu still directing the affairs of state from wherever he is.
It’s been noted in various fora that Akpabio’s clarification was necessary to douse rising political anxiety and to reaffirm the stability of the current administration.
The Senate President urged Nigerians to disregard fake news and to remain confident in the leadership of President Tinubu, adding that the National Assembly will continue to work harmoniously with the executive to deliver good governance and democratic dividends to the people.
He also called on the media to be responsible in their reportage and avoid sensationalism that could heat up the polity, stressing that Nigeria’s democracy is stable and there is no leadership crisis whatsoever.
“There is no vacancy at Aso Rock,” Akpabio reiterated.
It could be recalled that the Presidency had announced on Monday, September 21, 2026, that President Bola Tinubu has extended his working vacation in Europe by a few days and will now return to Nigeria at the weekend.
According to the statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for London to begin what the Presidency described as a three-week working vacation. After about a week in the UK, he moved to Paris where he met French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.
The original three-week period expired around September 20. The Presidency said: “President Tinubu will return to Nigeria at the weekend, following the extension of his working vacation by a few days.”
While away, he has remained in touch with developments at home and continued to direct affairs, including ordering an independent panel to investigate the death of 37 illegal miners in Minna, Niger State.
While Tinubu was away, Vice President Kashim Shettima represented him at official functions, but Shettima left Abuja on September 20 for New York to attend the 81st UN General Assembly. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, will continue to represent the President until his return.
