Dino Melaye Questions Tinubu, Shettima’s Simultaneous Absence From Nigeria

Former Kogi West Senator and African Democratic Congress chieftain, Dino Melaye, has questioned the simultaneous absence of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima from Nigeria.

Melaye raised the issue amid Tinubu’s ongoing vacation abroad and Shettima’s official engagements outside the country, asking questions about the exercise of presidential responsibilities while both leaders are away.

His comments come against the backdrop of renewed public discussion over the constitutional implications of the President and Vice President being outside Nigeria at the same time.

Reports indicate that Tinubu commenced a three-week annual leave on August 30, initially travelling to London before proceeding to France.

Shettima, meanwhile, has been undertaking official international engagements, including representing Nigeria at the BRICS summit in India.

Melaye questioned the circumstances surrounding the simultaneous absence of the two principal occupants of the executive branch and sought greater public clarity on the arrangement.

The issue has also generated discussion over whether the President’s physical absence from Nigeria automatically affects his constitutional powers.

Under Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, physical absence from the country does not by itself create a vacancy in the office of President.

Section 145 provides for the temporary transfer of presidential functions where the President is on vacation or otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office, while Section 146 addresses succession where the offices of President or Vice President become vacant.

The constitutional framework therefore distinguishes between temporary absence from the country and an actual vacancy in either office.

The Guardian reported that the simultaneous foreign trips do not automatically transfer presidential powers to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

The Presidency has also maintained that the President and Vice President can discharge their constitutional responsibilities while abroad and that their absence does not create a leadership vacuum.

Melaye’s comments add to political scrutiny surrounding the President’s foreign engagements, particularly as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to intensify.

The debate has also coincided with controversy over Tinubu’s decision not to personally attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, with Shettima mandated to lead Nigeria’s delegation.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has separately questioned Tinubu’s repeated absence from the UNGA, while a presidential aide said the President was focused on domestic issues and that Nigeria would be adequately represented.

The Presidency has also rejected suggestions that Tinubu’s absence from the United States was connected to any restriction on his travel.

Melaye’s latest intervention is expected to sustain public discussion about presidential travel, constitutional responsibilities and the visibility of Nigeria’s leadership during major international engagements.