ABUJA — September 25, 2026: A group of lawmakers operating under the Save Democracy Group (SDG) has asked Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to reconvene the National Assembly and clarify the constitutional position surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s extended stay outside Nigeria.
The lawmakers are specifically asking the National Assembly to establish whether President Tinubu transmitted the written declaration required under Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution before or during his extended stay abroad.
According to the group, if the required declaration was not transmitted within the period provided by the Constitution, the National Assembly should consider resolutions allowing Vice-President Kashim Shettima to perform the functions of President as Acting President.
What triggered the controversy?
President Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for what the Presidency initially described as a three-week working vacation in Europe. The Presidency later announced that he had extended his stay and was expected to return during the weekend.
During his absence, Shettima has represented the President at some official engagements and travelled to New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
The Presidency has maintained that Tinubu remains in charge of government and continues to issue directives while abroad.
Lawmakers cite Section 145
The SDG argues that Section 145 requires a President who proceeds on vacation or is otherwise unable to perform the functions of office to transmit a written declaration to the Senate President and Speaker of the House.
The group wants Akpabio and Abbas to publicly clarify whether such a declaration was received.
It further argues that if no declaration was transmitted within the constitutional period, both chambers should take the steps provided for under Section 145(2).
Senate rejects call for immediate reconvening
The Senate has rejected the demand for an immediate reconvening.
Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu said there was no reason for the Senate to reconvene over the matter.
Akpabio has also rejected suggestions that he is acting president, saying that Tinubu remains in power and continues to direct the affairs of the country.
The constitutional question remains
The controversy is now centred on the interpretation and application of Section 145 rather than simply the President’s physical location.
The SDG says the National Assembly should establish whether the required constitutional declaration was transmitted. The Presidency and Senate leadership maintain that Tinubu remains in charge while working from abroad.
The National Assembly is currently on recess and is scheduled to resume on September 29.
MONAFRIKA TAKE
The key fact is that some lawmakers are demanding clarification and action; the National Assembly has not declared Shettima Acting President.
The next important development will be whether the Senate and House leadership make any formal statement about the Section 145 declaration and whether the issue is considered when lawmakers resume.
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