VIRGIN TIMES NEWS 2027: Adebayo Campaign Raises Constitutional Questions Over Tinubu’s Extended Stay Abroad

ABUJA — The Adewole Adebayo-Bugaje Presidential Campaign Council has raised fresh constitutional concerns over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s continued stay outside Nigeria, alleging that the situation raises questions about the transfer and exercise of presidential powers. The campaign council, in a statement issued on Monday by its Chief Communications and Media Adviser, Mark Adebayo, alleged that the President’s prolonged absence had implications under Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. The provision deals with circumstances in which a President proceeds on vacation or is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office. It provides for a written declaration to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, after which the Vice-President may perform presidential functions in an acting capacity. The campaign council alleged that the constitutional procedure had not been adequately followed after Tinubu’s stay abroad extended beyond the originally announced period. It also questioned the role of the National Assembly, arguing that lawmakers should clarify whether the constitutional provisions governing prolonged presidential absence had been triggered. The council accused the National Assembly leadership of failing to take action under Section 145(2), while describing the issue as a matter requiring constitutional clarification. The campaign further urged Nigerians to consider the issue during the 2027 general elections, while promoting the candidacy of Social Democratic Party presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo. However, the campaign’s allegations represent its political position and are not, by themselves, a judicial determination that President Tinubu has violated the Constitution. The controversy over the President’s prolonged stay abroad has generated similar questions from other political actors and groups. The African Democratic Congress, for instance, has also asked the Presidency to explain the arrangements surrounding Tinubu’s continued absence. The Presidency has maintained that Tinubu remains engaged in the affairs of government while abroad. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has said the President has continued to communicate with officials and direct government business during his working vacation. There has also been disagreement over whether the President’s physical location prevents him from performing his constitutional functions. Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu said the issue should be viewed in terms of the President’s functionality rather than his geographical location, while the Senate has rejected calls for an emergency reconvening over the matter. The debate therefore centres on the interpretation and application of Section 145, the status of any formal declaration transmitted by the President, and the constitutional arrangements governing presidential functions during an extended absence. Virgin Times News will continue to monitor developments surrounding the issue. VIRGIN TIMES NEWS — Reporting Nigeria and the world.